Covidien Spends $450K on Lobbying in 3Q

 A recent disclosure report shows that healthcare products manufacturer Covidien Ltd. spent $450,000 in the third quarter on lobbying efforts relating to drugs and medical devices, according to the Associated Press. 

The company, headquartered in Manfield, MA, and based in Bermuda, lobbied on legislation that would mandate medical device makers to reveal gifts given to doctors by salespeople of up to $500; the original bill called for a limit of $25. 

Covidien also lobbied on:

• Medical device government reimbursement rates, which are paid for by Medicare;

• Overhauling the US patent system, saying it will weaken patent protections on their products; electronics developers supporting the bill argue it would cut down on the number of frivolous patent-infringement lawsuits;

• Several funding bills, according to a form filed in October, and to the Health and Human Services, Commerce and Treasury departments between July and September.