Although the litigation was related exclusively to endomechanical products, the ongoing patent immunity agreement also covers suture manufacturer Ethicon, Inc., a sister company of Ethicon Endo-Surgery in the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, and Sherwood Services AG, which owns the patents relating to the Davis & Geck suture line sold by U. S. Surgical.
Tyco International Ltd., a diversified manufacturing and service company, is the world's largest manufacturer and installer of fire protection systems, the largest provider of electronic security services, the largest manufacturer of flow control valves, and has strong leadership positions in disposable medical products, plastics and adhesives, electrical and electronic components and underwater telecommunications systems. The Company operates in more than 80 countries around the world and has expected fiscal 1999 revenues in excess of $22 billion.
Johnson & Johnson recorded $23.7 billion in 1998 sales and is the world's most comprehensive and broadly-based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and professional markets. Johnson & Johnson has 93,100 employees and 188 operating companies in 52 countries around the world, selling products in more than 175 countries.