J&J MedTech Statement on Preliminary Injunction Order Against Rivolution

NORDERSTEDT, GERMANY – August 8, 2025 – Johnson & Johnson MedTech today announced that on August 6, 2025, the Unified Patent Court in Munich (Local Division) granted a preliminary injunction against Rivolution GmbH, finding that Rivolution’s “EnDrive Beluga” stapling instrument infringes European Patent EP 2 515 768 B1, which protects core technology used in the ECHELON FLEX™ Powered Stapler. 

The request for the preliminary injunction was filed in April 2025 by Cilag GmbH International and Ethicon LLC, both Johnson & Johnson MedTech companies. The Court determined that urgent action was necessary to prevent further infringement, and as a result, Rivolution has been ordered to immediately cease offering, selling, or using the EnDrive Beluga instrument. 

While the case proceeds on its merits, the preliminary injunction is now in effect and represents an important procedural step. Rivolution has the right to appeal the preliminary injunction. It will be followed by main proceedings in which both parties will have the opportunity to make further submissions on the issues of infringement and patent validity. A final, legally binding decision is expected in approximately one year. In the meantime, the Court’s cease-and-desist order will remain in effect.  

Johnson & Johnson MedTech views this decision as a strong affirmation of its intellectual property rights and a reinforcement of its commitment to protecting innovation that drives high-quality surgical care. 

Customers affected by this ruling are encouraged to contact their local Johnson & Johnson MedTech representative to discuss validated alternatives and ensure continued access to trusted stapling solutions. 

About Johnson & Johnson   

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector’s global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopaedics, surgery and vision solutions at J&JMedTech. Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn. 

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements  

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the preliminary injunction order against Rivolution. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The information contained in this press release is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment by the Company to engage in any specific strategy or course of action. The Company cannot predict the timing, ultimate outcome or financial impact of this matter, or any other ongoing or future litigation. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.