3M Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit in Germany Against Manufacturer and Distributors of Retro-Reflective Fire Coat Trim Product

3M announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary 3M Deutschland
GmbH has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the District Court of
Dusseldorf, Germany, against Sue Heung REF Co., GIOLITE-LUMIAN Co.,
GIO-LITE Europe GmbH and its managing director (collectively,
GIO-LITE).

The suit alleges that GIO-LITE´s retro-reflective fire coat trim
product FR-119, which GIO-LITE advertises in Germany for use on
garments for fire-fighters, infringes 3M´s German patent corresponding
to EP 0 759 179.

3M has provided fire services with enhanced visibility products
for over 25 years. 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material - Fire Coat Trim
is designed to enhance the visibility of firefighters and emergency
personnel in daylight, as well as low light and nighttime conditions.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces
thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M´s
core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology
platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs.
With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has
operations in more than 60 countries. 3M´s wholly owned German
subsidiary 3M Deutschland GmbH employs 3,000 people in Germany and had
sales of 1.3 billion EUR in 2006.

3M and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M.