22/11/2011 — NEW HAVEN, Conn. — (BUSINESS WIRE)

Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that German customs authorities, in cooperation with Covidien, have seized quantities of imported surgical stapling products that copy Covidien’s designs and infringe one of its patents. The government seizures collected infringing surgical stapling products that had been imported into the German market from two China-based companies.

“We are pleased that German authorities have found that the stapling products from these two companies should be removed from the German marketplace because of the infringement of our patent,” said Scott Herring, Vice President, Endomechanical and Energy Division, Covidien. “This is a serious issue, for practitioners and patients, as well as for Covidien, and we will continue to vigorously protect our innovations and intellectual property.”

ABOUT COVIDIEN

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2011 revenue of $11.6 billion, Covidien has 41,000 employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

CONTACT:

CovidienMarta Newhart, 303-476-7383Vice PresidentCommunications & Public Affairsmarta.newhart@covidien.comorBruce Farmer, 508-452-4372Vice PresidentPublic Relationsbruce.farmer@covidien.comorColeman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343Vice PresidentInvestor Relationscole.lannum@covidien.comorTodd Carpenter, 508-452-4363DirectorInvestor Relationstodd.carpenter@covidien.com

KEYWORDS:   Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Hockey  Health  Biotechnology  Medical Devices  Pharmaceutical  Sports

MEDIA:

Logo