Alcon, AMO resolve patent disputes

Alcon Laboratories Inc. and Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) reached a global settlement agreement to resolve all pending patent infringement lawsuits between the companies on technologies used in ophthalmic surgery. Each company is granted a license to the patents covering its existing phacoemulsification equipment features, which allows the companies to market their current products without the threat of litigation.

Due to a previously accrued $242 million in connection with the judgment by the U.S. District Court of Delaware, Alcon will pay AMO $121 million.

"This comprehensive settlement resolves numerous complex patent issues involving our two companies," said Cary Rayment, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Alcon. "Alcon will continue to market all existing phacoemulsification platforms while focusing our development efforts on technological advancements that will continue to revolutionize cataract surgery."

Jim Mazzo, AMO chairman, president, and chief executive officer, added, "We invest substantial resources and energies to develop new ophthalmic technologies and are pleased to bring these legal matters to a swift and successful close for the benefit of our stockholders and our customers."