3M announced today that after winning a patent infringement lawsuit in Germany against Dental Direkt GmbH involving technology that enables the coloring of ceramic-based dental restorations, Dental Direkt GmbH will license this patented technology from 3M.

3M’s patented technology enables the coloring of unshaded ceramics by color-matching dental restorations to the natural color of patients’ teeth. 3M has licensed its patents to much of the dental industry, including Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG, and Vident Inc., Dentsply Prosthetics U.S. LLC and Dentsply International Inc., Zirkonzahn GmbH, Wieland Dental + Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Metoxit AG, and White Peaks Dental Solutions. Through these licensees, patients around the world enjoy the benefits of dental restorations matching the natural color of their teeth. 3M remains open to licensing this technology to other interested parties.

3M is committed to improving oral care through continuous investments in research and development. The Anaheim Group has recognized the Oral Care Solutions Division of 3M as the most innovative dental company for the past 11 years. This distinction is awarded based on the number of patent filings, 510k clearances and new product introductions.

About 3M
At 3M we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.

3MFanna Haile-Selassie, 651-736-0876