Endotach [NPE], a subsidiary of Acacia Research, filed two separate suits against Cook Medical and W.L. Gore & Associates, alleging that the defendants’ interventional and endovascular products infringe two patents related to endovascular bypass grafts and an intravascular stent with a means of secure mounting.  These are the first patent infringement suits initiated by Endotach.  According to the complaint, Endotach is the exclusive licensee of the patents-in-suit. The patents were developed Dr. Valentine J. Rhodes, a surgeon who practiced in the field of vascular medicine for over 30 years and served as Chief of Vascular Services at Point Pleasant Hospital and Brick Hospital in Brick, New Jersey.  6/21, Northern District of Florida, assigned to Chief Judge M. Casey Rodgers and referred to Magistrate Judge Charles J. Kahn Jr., 3:2012cv00307; assigned to Chief Judge M. Casey Rodgers and referred to Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy, 3:2012cv00308.