3M Unitek and 3M Innovative Properties Co. announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against RMO, Inc. (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics – Lingual Jet) alleging infringement of 3M’s patent related to lingual orthodontic braces in Los Angeles, Calif.

3M has asserted U.S. Patents 6,776,614, 7,811,087, and 7,850,451, each entitled “Modular System for Customized Orthodontic Appliances” cover 3M™ Unitek™ Incognito™ Lingual Braces.

3M also announced today that 3M Unitek, doing business as TOP-Service fuer Lingulatechnik GmbH, is commencing infringement proceedings in France under European Patent 1474064 against RMO Europe and Lingual Jet. 3M’s European Patent 1474064, “Modular System for Customized Orthodontic Appliances” also covers 3M™ Unitek™ Incognito™ Lingual Braces, and is registered in France.

In these actions, 3M is alleging infringement against RMO’s Lingual Jet™ lingual bracket system.

Incognito lingual braces address the demand for effective and invisible orthodontic solutions. Unlike conventional braces, the Incognito system is bonded to the tongue side of teeth.

3M continues to invest in extensive research and new laboratory methods to improve orthodontic solutions for patients and is committed to protecting its intellectual property and patent portfolio.

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 $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M, Unitek, and Incognito are trademarks of 3M.

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