Contributors 4457

CONTRIBUTORS

In this issue, MX explores a wide range of topics of executive interest, from intellectual property and information technologies to product liability coverage and looming legislation.

Market Analysis

Within the medical device industry, intellectual property based on strong research and development activity has long played an integral role in driving market success. In "2008 Medtech Patent Scorecard", Rachel Hill and Nicholas Stabinsky provide an in-depth look at the current intellectual property leaders in the medical device industry. Hill is an advisory services associate at the Patent Board (Chicago and Phila-delphia). She can be reached at 312/205-7000 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Stabinsky is an advisory services managing consultant at the Patent Board and can be reached at 312/205-7000 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Business Planning & Technology Development

Medical device companies need financial protection through insurance coverage—particularly product liability insurance coverage. In "The Shifting Shape of Medtech Liability Coverage", Kevin M. Quinley describes factors that can help medtech executives anticipate and manage the cost of risk. Quinley is a claims expert and business writer in Fairfax, VA. He can be reached at www.kevinquinley.com or via e-mail at [email protected].

When two medtech companies of similar sizes merge, the IP risks they face are different from when a large company merges with a smaller company. In "Merging Intellectual Properties among Equals", Gregory J. Vogler and Robert A. Surrette explore strategies for successfully identifying and mitigating such risks. Vogler is a shareholder and one of the cofounders of the law firm of McAndrews, Held & Malloy (Chicago). He can be reached at 312/775-8000 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Surrette is a shareholder at McAndrews, Held & Malloy and can be reached at 312/775-8000 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Governmental & Legal Affairs

The Physician Payments Sunshine Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 13, 2008, as HR 5605. If enacted in its current form, it would require medical device manufacturers to submit quarterly and annual reports of payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and affiliated entities. In "Sunshine and Its Glare" (page 44), Wayne Wolff discusses the drawbacks and benefits of the current shape of the legislation, as well as steps that manufacturers would need to take to comply with the legislation's requirements. Wolff is an attorney in the San Francisco office of Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold. He specializes in the defense of medical device manufacturers, and frequently counsels clients on compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements related to the marketing and sale of medical products. He can be reached at 415/781-7900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Information Technologies

In this issue's annual installment of the IT Showcase, Tim Gee examines the convergence of healthcare information technologies and medical devices on a number of fronts. Gee is the principal of Medical Connectivity Consulting (Beaverton, OR), a firm that specializes in the application of technology and process reengineering for hospitals and medical product manufacturers. A member of MX's editorial advisory board council on information technologies, Gee can be reached at 503/481-2370 or via e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.medicalconnectivity.com.