3M and Avery Dennison Corporation [NYSE:AVY] have reached a settlement of lawsuits brought by 3M in the United States and the Netherlands for infringement of 3M’s patents directed to release liners used in the manufacture and sale of pressure sensitive adhesives for large format graphics. The lawsuits have been resolved as part of a global settlement between 3M and Avery Dennison of patent disputes involving structured release liners, structured adhesives having air bleed capabilities and structured adhesives having repositionable capabilities.
As part of the settlement, Avery Dennison is now licensed under 3M patents to sell its earlier and existing Easy Apply Technology products in the large format graphics market. The license also includes a cross-license to 3M for related Avery Dennison patents. The financial terms of the litigation settlement and license are confidential.
About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison is a global leader in pressure-sensitive labeling materials, retail tag, ticketing and branding systems, and office products. Based in Pasadena, Calif., Avery Dennison is a FORTUNE 500 Company with 2006 sales of $5.6 billion. Following the acquisition of Paxar in 2007, Avery Dennison employs more than 30,000 individuals in 51 countries worldwide, who develop, manufacture and market a wide range of products for both consumer and industrial markets. Products offered by Avery Dennison include: Fasson brand self-adhesive materials; Avery Dennison and Paxar brand products for the retail and apparel industries; Avery brand office products and graphics imaging media; specialty tapes, peel-and-stick postage stamps, and labels for a wide variety of automotive, industrial and durable goods applications.
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 around the world, the people of 3M 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.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Media Contacts:3MDonna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646http://www.3m.com/PressContactorAvery DennisonLaurence J. Dwyer, 626-304-2014communications@averydennison.comorInvestor Contacts:3MMatt Ginter, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807orAvery DennisonCynthia S. Guenther, 626-304-2204investorcom@averydennison.com
