Seattle, WA, June 1, 1995 -- LifeScan, Inc., the nation's leading maker of diabetes monitoring systems, has won its patent infringement litigation against off-brand test strip manufacturer Polymer Technology International (Issaquah, WA). In a May 31 ruling, the Federal District Court in Seattle, WA, upheld the validity of three LifeScan patents challenged by Polymer and permanently prohibited Polymer from manufacturing and selling its First Choice^TM test strips intended for use in LifeScan's OneTouch^® Meters. While LifeScan did not seek damages against Polymer, the court ordered Polymer to pay LifeScan's legal fees.

"We're completely satisfied with the court's ruling and we're delighted that we can once again devote our full attention to providing quality products and services to support people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals," said LifeScan President, Richard Wiesner.

The bench trial was held from March 6-21 to determine the validity of three LifeScan patents related to its OneTouch^® Blood Glucose Meters and Test Strip. Previously, in a January 6 pre-trial ruling, the Federal District Court in Seattle, WA, found that Polymer's First Choice^TM off-brand test strip infringed the three LifeScan patents and ordered Polymer to immediately stop selling test strips intended for use in LifeScan meters, pending trial. With the May 31 ruling, the preliminary injunction has been made permanent.

A similar case between LifeScan and another group of off-brand test strip companies was settled in December 1994. Off-brand test strip manufacturer, Diagnostic Solutions, Inc. (Irvine, CA) and its distributor, CAN-AM Care Corporation (Chazy, NY) settled the lawsuit after admitting infringement of LifeScan's patents and that LifeScan's patents are valid and enforceable. OneTouch^® Test Strips are a key component of LifeScan's more than three million OneTouch^® Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems purchased by people with diabetes. Determining how much glucose is in the blood helps people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals make adjustments in medications such as insulin, as well as in diet and exercise programs.

LifeScan does not endorse the use of any off-brand test strip with OneTouch^® Meters. LifeScan does not control the materials, manufacturing methods and quality control procedures used by off-brand test strip makers.

OneTouch^® Systems, including Genuine OneTouch^® Test Strips, are recommended by more physicians, diabetes educators and pharmacists than any other brand.

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