Finance
Edwards Lifesciences scraps anti-copycat policy, EU drops antitrust investigation
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 16, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Summary
Edwards Lifesciences ends its anti-copycat policy, leading the EU to close its antitrust investigation, resolving concerns raised by Indian rival Meril.
Edwards Lifesciences Ends Controversial Anti-Copycat Policy Amid EU Scrutiny
Edwards Lifesciences and EU Antitrust Developments
(Corrects headline to anti-copycat policy, not anti-cat policy)
Background on the Anti-Copycat Policy
By Foo Yun Chee
EU Commission's Findings
BRUSSELS, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. medical device maker Edwards Lifesciences has scrapped its anti-copycat policy that triggered a complaint from an Indian rival, EU antitrust regulators said on Monday as they closed their investigation into the company.
Implications of Policy Withdrawal
The European Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer raided one of Edwards Lifesciences' facilities in a European Union country in September 2023 on concerns that it may have abused its market power.
Indian rival Meril, which has for years sparred with Edwards Lifesciences over heart valve patents in various courts around the world, had complained to the EU watchdog about Edwards' global unilateral pro-innovation (anti-copycat) policy.
The Commission said Edwards Lifesciences has now withdrawn its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy (UPIP) and that it is no longer applicable and has been removed from the company's website.
"After thorough analysis and careful assessment of all evidence gathered and in light of Edwards Lifesciences' withdrawal of the UPIP, the Commission has concluded that the investigated concerns have been addressed and further action is no longer considered a priority at EU level," the Commission said in a statement.
Breaches of EU antitrust rules can cost companies fines as much as 10% of their global annual turnover.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee)
Key Takeaways
- •Edwards Lifesciences ends its anti-copycat policy.
- •EU Commission closes antitrust investigation.
- •Meril's complaint prompted EU scrutiny.
- •Policy withdrawal resolves EU concerns.
- •Potential fines avoided by policy change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edwards Lifesciences scraps anti-copycat policy, EU drops antitrust investigation
1What is an antitrust investigation?
An antitrust investigation examines whether a company is engaging in anti-competitive practices that restrict competition in the market, potentially harming consumers and other businesses.
2What is market power?
Market power refers to the ability of a company to influence the price of a product or service in the market, often due to a lack of competition.
3What is a policy withdrawal?
A policy withdrawal occurs when a company or organization decides to retract or eliminate a previously established policy, often in response to regulatory scrutiny or market conditions.
