Jury verdict in patent dispute with DePuy Synthes

Regulatory press release
Jan 13 2023

Jury verdict in patent dispute with DePuy Synthes

A jury in the U.S. Middle District of Florida decided today that Vimian Group AB (publ)’s (“Vimian”) subsidiary, Veterinary Orthopedic Implants, LLC (“VOI”), which is part of Vimian’s MedTech segment, infringes certain patent rights of DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. and DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc. (“Synthes”). The jury awarded Synthes USD 59.5 million in damages and found wilful infringement by VOI. Through the purchase agreement for the acquisition of VOI, Vimian has contractual indemnification protection for the amount of the verdict.

As previously disclosed in the company description published ahead of Vimian’s listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in June 2021, Synthes filed a lawsuit against VOI in 2018 alleging that two Synthes patents are infringed by VOI’s plates used in Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgical procedures that treat cruciate ligament ruptures in the knee joints of dogs. VOI was acquired in June 2018 and is today a subsidiary within Vimian’s MedTech segment Movora. Through the purchase agreement for the acquisition of VOI, Vimian has contractual indemnification protection for the amount of the verdict, including certain collateral, in the Synthes lawsuit.

VOI strongly disagrees with the jury verdict and will explore its options with respect to the jury verdict, including post-trial motions and an appeal. The jury verdict is not a formal judgement by the Florida court, which is not expected until later this year.

About Vimian

Vimian is a global, fast-growing group of innovation-driven companies with a shared passion for making a positive impact through improving animal health. Together, we put science, technology and our customers’ needs at the centre of everything we do to deliver effective solutions to veterinary professionals, labs and pet parents around the world. We bring together pioneering and entrepreneurial businesses in animal health, with an aim to create a uniquely diversified proposition of products and services of the highest standard. Our group covers four essential and rapidly evolving areas within animal health: Specialty Pharma, Diagnostics, Veterinary Services and MedTech. Vimian provides individual businesses with access to our networks, expertise, infrastructure and capital to accelerate innovation and growth. We are as passionate about supporting leadership within our existing businesses, as we are about welcoming new partners to the Vimian family – together helping us make an even greater impact by improving animal health. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Vimian and our family of companies reach over 15,000 customers in +150 markets, employ more than 700 people and have a combined annual turnover of approximately EUR 170 million. FNCA Sweden AB is appointed the Company’s Certified Adviser, info@fnca.se. For more information, please visit: www.vimian.com.