GDT Guidant Corp

Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) today announced that it won a key decision in a heart failure device patent case against Medtronic, Inc. The Federal District Court for the District of Delaware has upheld the validity of U.S. Patent RE38,119 ('119 patent), which relates to cardiac resynchronization therapy and bi-ventricular pacing therapy. Guidant has exclusively licensed this patent from Mirowski Family Ventures, LLC, the entity that holds the patent rights of Dr. Michel Mirowski, inventor of the implantable defibrillator. "This ruling reflects the strength and breadth of Guidant's cardiac rhythm management intellectual property portfolio," said Fred McCoy, President, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "We are proud to be stewards of the Mirowski patent portfolio." On August 29, 2003, Medtronic, a licensee of the '119 patent, challenged its obligation to pay royalties to the Mirowski family by filing suit to have the patent declared invalid. The District Court decision yesterday upheld the patent's validity. Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for a better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 12,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life's most threatening medical conditions. For more information, visit www.guidant.com. NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its products and services, please visit the company's newsroom at www.guidant.com/newsroom.