The Duesseldorf district court has granted 3M Deutschland GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M, preliminary ex parte injunctions against two suppliers of retroreflective and fluorescent fire coat trims for infringing a 3M patent.

The injunctions were granted during one of the industry’s top trade shows, A+A, against Zhejiang Daoming Optics & Chemical Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Yijian Reflective Material Mfg Co., Ltd. The court ruled that Daoming's DM 1991A, DM 1991B and DM 1992 products and Zhejiang Yijian’s 7102 product, infringe the German counterpart of 3M’s European patent EP 0 759 179. The decisions to grant the injunctions can be appealed to the Upper District Court in Duesseldorf.

3M also initiated proceedings against Zhejiang Daoming Optics & Chemical Co. Ltd., Viz Reflectives Ltd., and Sto. NOR Industri AS, alleging infringement of 3M’s patent by Daoming’s DM 1991A, DM 1991B and DM 1992 products, Viz Reflective’s YSL Vizlite 306 and YSL Vizlite 305 products, and Sto. NOR’s 9808 Trim product. Decisions in the main proceedings can be expected in about one year.

3M has been providing fire services with enhanced visibility products for over 25 years. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material – Fire Coat Trim is designed to enhance the visibility of firefighters and emergency personnel in daylight, as well as low light and nighttime conditions.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

Media Contacts:Manfred Kremer, 3M Deutschland GmbH+49 02131/14-2357orDonna Fleming Runyon, 3M651-736-7646