SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 19, 2003 -------------- BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 001-4802 22-0760120 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other juris- (Commission (IRS Employer Iden- diction of incorporation) File Number) tification Number) 1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417-1880 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (201) 847-6800 -------------- N/A - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former addresses if changed since last report.) Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure. In the action entitled Retractable Technologies, Inc. vs. Becton Dickinson and Company, et al. (Civil Action No. 501 CV 036, United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas), the Court, by order dated March 6, 2003, reset the trial date in this action from April 8, 2003 to February 3, 2004. In response to the Court's order, Retractable Technologies, Inc. has requested that the Court move the trial date to an earlier date. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY (Registrant) By: /s/ Gary DeFazio --------------------------- Gary DeFazio Assistant Secretary Date: March 19, 2003