The patent system and cardiac pacing: is the system serving its users?

Patents have been utilized to protect technical innovations in pacemakers virtually since their inception and are becoming increasingly important to the industry. In the U.S. alone, about 100 patents are granted each year covering pacer-related technology and reflecting the main areas of technical development. The increase in the number of outstanding patents has been accompanied by a significant increase in patent litigation among pacer companies. The rate and cost of pacer-related patent litigation raises a question of whether the system is being used to its best advantage. A recommendation is made for an industry-sponsored board to aid in voluntary settlement of patent disputes.