Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies. In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various claims and litigation matters. These claims and litigation matters may include actions involving product liability, intellectual property, contractual disputes and employment matters. We do not believe that any such actions are likely to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, in the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, may be materially adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Legal costs for these matters such as outside counsel fees and expenses are charged to expense in the period incurred.

On April 4, 2013, we filed suit against Bard Access Systems, Inc. ("Bard") in the Third Judicial District Court for Salt Lake County, Utah, seeking a determination that Bard had breached a Purchasing Agreement we entered into with Specialized Health Products, Inc., which was subsequently acquired by Bard. On October 30, 2014, we settled the dispute and dismissed all claims with prejudice. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Bard Access Systems granted Merit a non-exclusive, worldwide license to manufacture and distribute the SecureLoc^® Safety Introducer Needle under our own trademark, and a covenant not to sue us for the term of all patents covering the SecureLoc^®.

Intellectual property rights, particularly patents, play a significant role in product development and help differentiate competitors in the medical device market. Competing companies may file infringement lawsuits in attempts to bolster their intellectual property portfolios or enhance their financial standing. Intellectual property litigation is time consuming, costly and unpredictable. Monetary judgments, remedies or restitution are often not determined until the conclusion of trial court proceedings, which can be modified on appeal. Accordingly, the outcomes of pending litigation are difficult to predict or quantify.