September 28, 2007 -- ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M and Avery Dennison Corporation have reached a settlement of lawsuits brought by 3M in the United States and the Netherlands for infringement of 3M's patents directed to release liners used in the manufacture and sale of pressure sensitive adhesives for large format graphics. The lawsuits have been resolved as part of a global settlement between 3M and Avery Dennison of patent disputes involving structured release liners, structured adhesives having air bleed capabilities and structured adhesives having reposition-able capabilities.
As part of the settlement, Avery Dennison is now licensed under 3M patents to sell its earlier and existing Easy Apply Technology products in the large format graphics market. The license also includes a cross-license to 3M for related Avery Dennison patents. The financial terms of the litigation settlement and license are confidential.