Court Awards 3M Permanent Injunction in Patent Lawsuit against Avery Dennison Corp.

3M Company and 3M Innovative Properties Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M (St. Paul, Minn.), secured a permanent injunction in the United States District Court of Minnesota against Avery Dennison Corp. (Pasadena, Calif.). The injunction, which was granted March 17, 2006, prohibits Avery Dennison from making, using, selling or importing into the United States its EZ Series Fleet Marking Film.

In December 2005, a jury found that Avery Dennison had infringed on 3M's patent, which relates to release liners used in the manufacture and sale of pressure-sensitive adhesives for large format graphics by selling its EZ Series Fleet Marking Film. 3M's patented technology is used in the manufacture of 3M Controltac Plus Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive, a product that allows graphics to be applied more quickly and consistently, reducing wrinkles and bubbles throughout the application process. 3M's technology is especially effective for use in challenging applications, such as wrapping large fleet vehicles.

"As an innovative company with a strong technology base, 3M makes a significant investment in research and development each year," said Bob Doughty, division vice president, 3M Commercial Graphics Division. "The court's decision helps to protect that investment and to ensure that we can continue to provide our customers with the products they need to be successful."

Source: 3M Corp.