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Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

10.   Commitments and Contingencies.

Litigation. In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various proceedings, legal actions and claims. These proceedings, actions and claims may involve product liability, intellectual property, contract disputes, employment, governmental inquiries, audits or proceedings, or other matters, including those more fully described below. The outcomes of these matters will generally not be known for prolonged periods of time. In certain proceedings, actions and claims, the claimants may seek damages as well as other compensatory and equitable relief that could result in the payment of significant amounts and settlements and/or the imposition of injunctions or other equitable relief. For legal matters for which our management had sufficient information to reasonably estimate our future obligations, a liability representing management’s best estimate of the probable loss, or the minimum of the range of probable losses when a best estimate within the range is not known, is recorded. The estimates are based on consultation with legal counsel, previous settlement experience, settlement strategies and the potential availability of insurance coverage. If actual outcomes are less favorable than those estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred, which could unfavorably affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The ultimate cost to us with respect to such proceedings, actions and claims could be materially different than the amount of the current estimates and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SEC Inquiry

We have received requests from the Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) seeking the voluntary production of information relating to the business activities of Merit’s subsidiary in China, including interactions with hospitals and health care officials in China. We are cooperating with the requests and investigating the matter and, at this time, are unable to predict the scope, timing, significance or outcome of this matter.

It is possible that the ultimate resolution of the foregoing matter, or similar matters, if resolved in a manner unfavorable to us, 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.