Company Directory - Intuitive Surgical
Company Details - Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical
WebsiteIntuitive Surgical develops, produces, and markets a robotic system for assisting minimally invasive surgery, along with instrumentation, disposable accessories, and warranty services.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Intuitive Surgical
-22.04
0.02%
Latest Event
Intuitive Surgical Wins Dismissal in Antitrust Lawsuit
A federal judge ruled in favor of Intuitive Surgical in an antitrust case filed by Surgical Instrument Service Co., which accused the company of monopolistic practices by enforcing contractual terms that restricted third‐party repairs and compelled healthcare providers to purchase proprietary EndoWrist instruments. Although the decision sided with Intuitive citing patient safety and precedent from the Epic Games v. Apple case, questions remain about the competitive implications of such business practices.
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ACCOMPLICE
Intuitive Surgical is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- JAN292025
A federal judge ruled in favor of Intuitive Surgical in an antitrust case filed by Surgical Instrument Service Co., which accused the company of monopolistic practices by enforcing contractual terms that restricted third‐party repairs and compelled healthcare providers to purchase proprietary EndoWrist instruments. Although the decision sided with Intuitive citing patient safety and precedent from the Epic Games v. Apple case, questions remain about the competitive implications of such business practices.
-30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
The lawsuit allegations, although dismissed, spotlight concerns over anti-competitive practices. The enforced contractual restrictions and programmed usage limits may contribute to market concentration and enable corporate dominance, which can erode fair competition and potentially bolster oligarchic tendencies.
Intuitive fends off antitrust lawsuit from Surgical Instrument Service
-20
Economic and Structural Influence
April 3
The underlying business model that allegedly forces health providers to rely strictly on proprietary instruments raises concerns about economic concentration. Such practices can contribute to a structural imbalance, potentially enabling enhanced oligarchic control over healthcare markets even though the legal ruling was favorable.
Intuitive fends off antitrust lawsuit from Surgical Instrument Service
- JAN282025
On January 28, 2025, a federal judge unexpectedly dismissed claims that Intuitive Surgical restricted competition in the repair market for its da Vinci system by limiting the uses of its EndoWrists and threatening to void warranties for third-party repairs. This ruling, which undermines the right to repair movement, highlights concerns over the company’s anti-competitive business practices and its monopolistic control in the surgical robotics market.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
Intuitive Surgical's practices—restricting the use of repair parts and voiding warranties if third-party services are used—undermine fair competition and ethical business practices, limiting consumer options and reinforcing monopolistic control in the market.
-35
Economic and Structural Influence
April 3
By effectively maintaining a near-monopoly over the aftermarket repairs of its surgical robotic systems, Intuitive Surgical reinforces an economic structure that limits competition and consumer choice, contributing to an unfair market dynamic.
- JAN012024
Intuitive Surgical spent $330,000 on lobbying efforts in 2024, demonstrating active engagement in influencing political processes which may prioritize corporate interests over broader democratic accountability.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
The company's lobbying expenditure of $330,000 in 2024 is indicative of its attempt to influence public policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political spending raises concerns about undue influence and the prioritization of corporate interests, potentially fostering conditions that could undermine democratic accountability.
- DEC312023
In 2023, Intuitive Surgical spent $570,000 on lobbying efforts as reported by OpenSecrets, indicating significant corporate engagement in political advocacy.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
Intuitive Surgical's expenditure of $570,000 on lobbying in 2023 demonstrates an active effort to influence political processes. From a left-leaning, anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political engagements are concerning as they can undermine democratic accountability and may facilitate policies that favor authoritarian or oligarchic interests.
- OCT012023
Intuitive Surgical detailed its policies on lobbying and political spending, outlining transparent practices for PAC funding and strict adherence to legal guidelines. The company's political contributions are made exclusively through voluntary employee funds and are overseen by a dedicated committee, ensuring compliance and reducing potential conflicts of interest.
+40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
The company’s disclosure regarding its lobbying and political spending practices—including the use of employee-funded PAC contributions and oversight by a Political Spending Committee—demonstrates a commitment to transparency and adherence to legal standards. This approach helps mitigate concerns over undue corporate influence and supports democratic accountability, reflecting a positive anti-authoritarian stance.
- AUG012023
Surgical Instrument Service Company filed a complaint in the Northern District of California alleging that Intuitive Surgical leveraged its dominant market position in the minimally invasive surgical robot market by threatening to withhold technical support and servicing. The complaint asserts that Intuitive Surgical holds an overwhelming market share, effectively stifling competition and potentially causing multimillion-dollar damages to SIS.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
The complaint underscores alleged abusive business practices where Intuitive Surgical is accused of exploiting its near-monopolistic position to force hospitals and health systems into exclusive purchasing agreements. Such practices compromise ethical business responsibilities and fair market competition, reflecting a negative stance toward anti-fascist, progressive market practices.
Surgical Instrument Service Alleges Antitrust Violations Against Robot Manufacturer
-40
Economic and Structural Influence
April 3
The alleged monopolistic control and exclusive dealing described in the complaint highlight the concentration of economic power and structural imbalance in the healthcare technology market. This contributes to undermining competitive structures that are essential for a progressive, anti-authoritarian system.
Surgical Instrument Service Alleges Antitrust Violations Against Robot Manufacturer
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Industries
- 339112
- Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
- 423450
- Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- 541715
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)