News regarding patent 388
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VISX Inc. (ticker: VISX, exchange: NASDAQ) News Release - Wednesday, June 21, 2000
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Patent Office Allows VISX `388 Patent Following Reexamination Proceeding
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 21, 2000--VISX, INCORPORATED (Nasdaq NM Symbol: VISX) announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Intent to Issue a Reexamination Certificate in the reexamination of VISX's U.S. Patent No. 5,108,388, known as the `388 Patent.
During the reexamination, which began more than two years ago, VISX amended the original five claims of the patent and added 60 new claims that pertain to methods of performing laser vision correction. The patent will expire in 2009.
"We are extremely pleased that this broad and fundamental laser vision correction patent is finally emerging from the Patent Office," said Mark Logan, Chairman and CEO of VISX.
The Company expects the Reexamination Certificate to be issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within the next few months.
The foregoing contains statements regarding the reexamination proceeding and the `388 Patent that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. Factors that could affect the results are delays on the part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the outcome of any future legal or patent proceedings involving the `388 Patent. Additional discussion of factors affecting the Company's business is contained in its most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including VISX's Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and VISX's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
VISX is the worldwide leader in refractive laser technology. VISX systems are commercially available in the United States and markets worldwide.
CONTACT: VISX
Lola Wood, 877/463-6847
ir@visx.com
visx.com
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