SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NuVasive, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUVA), a medical device company focused on developing products for minimally disruptive surgical treatments for the spine, announced today that it has obtained a complaint brought by Medtronic Sofamor Danek alleging patent infringement involving certain NuVasive products.

Alex Lukianov, NuVasive's Chairman and CEO, said, 'It is not surprising that Medtronic would attempt to intimidate NuVasive with this suit, since NuVasive represents a growing threat to Medtronic's spine business. Medtronic did not notify us of the lawsuit prior to filing it, and has not been in contact with us yet. We have obtained a copy of the complaint and are in the process of reviewing it and assessing our defenses. Based on our initial review, we do not expect our existing operations to be significantly disrupted as we respond to this lawsuit. Given the existing patents referenced by Medtronic in the complaint, we are also analyzing our potential counterclaims based on our own significant patent portfolio and intellectual property rights.'

Mr. Lukianov continued, 'We would prefer to compete with Medtronic in the market, but we are prepared to defend ourselves in the courtroom so that patients can continue to experience the innovations that NuVasive has brought to the field of spinal care. The timing of this lawsuit is strange given the fact the allegedly infringing products in some instances have been on the market for several years. Nonetheless, we will vigorously defend ourselves in this action. More importantly, we will stay focused on building our business and remaining a leader in the development of creative spine surgery products that benefit patients.'

About NuVasive

NuVasive is a medical device company focused on the design, development and marketing of products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders. The Company's product portfolio is focused on applications in the over $4.2 billion U.S. spine fusion market. The Company's current principal product offering includes a minimally disruptive surgical platform called Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS(R), as well as a growing offering of cervical and motion preservation products.

The MAS platform offers advantages for both patients and surgeons such as reduced surgery and hospitalization time and faster recovery. MAS combines three categories of current product offerings: NeuroVision(R) a proprietary software-driven nerve avoidance system; MaXcess(R) a unique split-blade design retraction system; and specialized implants, like SpheRx(R) and CoRoent(R), that collectively minimize soft tissue disruption during spine surgery while allowing maximum visualization and surgical reproducibility. NuVasive's product offering is also focused on cervical internal fixation products and its R&D pipeline emphasizes both MAS and motion preservation.

NuVasive cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause Company's results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the risk that the patent litigation described in this press release will result in significant expenses for the Company; the risk that this litigation could result in damages awards against the Company, including the possibility of treble damages if the Company is ultimately determined to have infringed; the risk that this litigation will divert the attention of management; the risk that the Company's defenses or counterclaims to this litigation may prove ineffective; the uncertain process of seeking regulatory approval or clearance for Company's products or devices, including risks that such process could be significantly delayed; the risk that competitors may develop superior products or may have a greater market position enabling more successful commercialization; and other risks and uncertainties more fully described in Company's press releases and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available at www.sec.gov. Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made.

    Contact:                                  Investors:
    Kevin C. O'Boyle                          Nick Laudico/Zack Kubow
    EVP & Chief Financial Officer             The Ruth Group
    NuVasive, Inc.                            646-536-7030/7020
    858-909-1800                              nlaudico@theruthgroup.com
    investorrelations@nuvasive.com            zkubow@theruthgroup.com
                                              Media:
                                              Jason Rando
                                              The Ruth Group
                                              646-536-7025
                                              jrando@theruthgroup.com

SOURCE NuVasive, Inc.