3M Co. and 3M Innovative Properties Co. filed a lawsuit on April 5, 2017, in the Central District of California against K2 Concepts and China-based Phoenix Automotive Refinishing, alleging multiple counts of patent, trademark, and copyright infringement.

The suit alleges that certain automotive painting spray gun cup products, which are made by Phoenix in China and marketed and sold in the United States by K2, infringe seven 3M patents directed to 3M’s PPS™ technology that enables the efficient mixing and spraying of coatings for automotive collision repair and other applications. The suit also alleges that Phoenix’s marketing materials for those same spray gun cup products infringe 3M’s registered copyright and trademarks.

3M, through its Automotive Aftermarket Division, provides a comprehensive range of products and solutions to the collision repair industry, including its award-winning PPS™ technology that enables painters to mix less paint, reduce the amount of solvent used, and speed cleanup.

3M is committed to protecting its substantial investments in research and development, and in bringing new technologies and products to its customers, by obtaining intellectual property protection and enforcing its rights against unauthorized uses.

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.

3MLori Anderson, 651-733-0831