NuVasive Battles Back: Seeks to Overturn $60M Spinal-Screw Patent Verdict

The jury not only found that NuVasive’s devices infringed on the patents but also determined that all five asserted patents were valid. Though the jury stopped short of awarding damages at the time, legal experts speculate that the damages phase could yield a multi-million-dollar judgment unless the verdict is overturned.

Now, NuVasive has filed post-trial motions requesting that the court either reverse the jury’s finding or grant a new trial. The company argues that the verdict was not supported by sufficient evidence and that certain trial procedures unfairly prejudiced the outcome. NuVasive maintains that its spinal hardware systems were developed independently and do not utilize any elements protected under Dr. Jackson’s intellectual property.

This isn’t the first time Jackson has taken on a major medical device manufacturer. The veteran surgeon has a history of defending his patents and has previously filed—and won—similar lawsuits against other industry players. His aggressive stance on intellectual property has made him a polarizing figure in the medtech world: hailed by some as a champion of innovation, and criticized by others for stifling competition.

Legal analysts say the outcome of NuVasive’s post-trial motion will be closely watched across the medical device industry. If the verdict stands, it could embolden more patent holders to take legal action against device makers they accuse of IP theft. On the other hand, a successful reversal or a new trial could signal tighter scrutiny of patent validity and infringement claims in complex biomedical technologies.