3M and 3M Innovative Properties Co. have withdrawn a request for a preliminary injunction against Andover Healthcare Inc. after Andover removed its two layer compression bandage systems from the market.

The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 21, 2010, by 3M against Andover Healthcare claiming that Andover's CoFlex TLC Compression systems infringe a 3M patent. 3M also sought a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the sales of Andover's products. Based on Andover's representation that it has withdrawn its compression system products from the market and stopped accepting orders, 3M has withdrawn its request for a preliminary injunction.

3M continues to vigorously defend its valuable intellectual property rights arising out of the inventive work that enables 3M to bring highly effective and innovative products, like Coban 2 Layer Compression System, to health care providers around the world.

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 in early 2010.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 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