Fischer settles litigation

Jun 10, 2002

Mammography vendor Fischer Imaging and former Trex Medical parent Thermo Electron have settled a patent infringement lawsuit involving Fischer's Mammotest stereotactic breast biopsy system. Denver-based Fischer had sued Trex Medical and Hologic, which purchased the Trex assets in September 2000.

Under the settlement, Fischer has received $25 million in cash from Trex Medical and will also receive $7.2 million in license payments through the patents' remaining term for Hologic's existing breast biopsy system, according to Fischer. The license will be paid in equal annual installments over the next eight years, according to the vendor.

Fischer said it would recognize the settlement over the original patent life of 17 years, resulting in a one-time gain of approximately $19.2 million and future annual license fees of about $1.9 million. The license covers Hologic's existing breast biopsy system, but does not necessarily extend to any new breast biopsy system the Waltham, MA-based firm might market in the future, Fischer said.

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
June 11, 2002
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