3M and 3M Innovative Properties Co. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota today against Andover Healthcare Inc. seeking a preliminary injunction as well as a permanent injunction and damages regarding Andover’s two layer compression bandage systems.

The suit alleges that Andover’s two layer compression bandage systems, including the CoFlex TLC Two Layer Compression System and the CoFlex TLC Lite Two Layer Compression System, infringe a 3M patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,854,716) covering its innovative 3M™ Coban™ 2 Layer Compression System and 3M™ Coban™ 2 Layer Lite Compression System. The U.S. Patent Office issued the 3M patent today.

Compression therapy is considered a standard of care for treating venous hypertension and venous ulcers, which are a serious problem for many Americans, including the elderly and people with vascular disease or poor circulation. 3M introduced Coban brand 2 Layer Compression System to the world in 2006 and introduced Coban brand 2 Layer Lite Compression System earlier this year. 3M continues to invest in extensive research and new laboratory methods to improve compression therapy for patients. 3M is committed to protecting its intellectual property and patent portfolio.

Coban brand 2 Layer Compression System and Coban brand 2 Layer Lite Compression System are clinically proven to comfortably deliver sustained, therapeutic compression to reduce the edema associated with venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and other conditions where compression therapy is appropriate.

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 $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M and Coban are trademarks of 3M.

3MMedia Contact:Donna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646