Applied Medical Files Lawsuit Against J

Applied Medical Resources Corp., a Rancho Santa Margarita developer of surgical devices, sued Johnson & Johnson, alleging that its larger rival engaged in “exclusionary and anti-competitive acts.”

Johnson & Johnson exploits its monopoly on sutures to force hospital group purchasing organizations to buy its trocars and clip appliers, according to the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Trocars and clip appliers are used in laparoscopic surgery.

Applied Medical seeks unspecified monetary damages and an order prohibiting Johnson & Johnson from “engaging in anti-competitive conduct.”