3M Company and 3M Innovative Properties Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M, secured a permanent injunction in the United States District Court of Minnesota against Avery Dennison Corp. The injunction, which was granted March 17, 2006, prohibits Avery Dennison from making, using, selling or importing into the United States its EZ Series Fleet Marking Film.
In December 2005, a jury found that Avery Dennison had infringed on 3M's patent, which relates to release liners used in the manufacture and sale of pressure sensitive adhesives for large format graphics by selling its EZ Series Fleet Marking Film. 3M's patented technology is used in the manufacture of 3M(TM) Controltac(TM) Plus Graphic Film with Comply(TM) Adhesive, a product that allows graphics to be applied more quickly and consistently, reducing wrinkles and bubbles throughout the application process. 3M's technology is especially effective for use in challenging applications, such as wrapping large fleet vehicles.
"As an innovative company with a strong technology base, 3M makes a significant investment in research and development each year," said Bob Doughty, division vice president, 3M Commercial Graphics Division. "The court's decision helps to protect that investment and to ensure that we can continue to provide our customers with the products they need to be successful."
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Controltac, Comply, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
3MJacqueline Berry, 651-733-3611
