NEW YORK (AP) - Health care products maker Covidien Ltd. spent $760,000 lobbying the federal government last year, according to a government disclosure form.

The Bermuda-based company lobbied on patent, regulation and payment issues affecting drugs and medical devices, along with other matters.

Covidien lobbied Congress on a bill aimed at updating the US patent system. High-tech companies support the bill that passed the House last year, saying it would cut down on frivolous patent-infringement lawsuits. But the pharmaceutical industry has argued it will weaken patent protections on drugs by reducing infringement penalties. The bill is pending in the Senate.

The company also lobbied on legislation affecting how much the Medicare programme reimburses doctors and hospitals for medical technology. Medicare provides health insurance to about 43 million seniors and the disabled.

Lobbyists also promoted the company's view on a bill that would require drug and device makers to disclose gifts and other perks given to doctors.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches