3M Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit in Germany to Protect Dental Ceramic Coloring Technology

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of its ongoing program to license to the dental industry 3M's patented technology that enables the coloring of ceramic-based dental restorations, and to protect its technology against unlicensed users, 3M has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Düsseldorf, Germany against Dental Direkt GmbH located in Spenge, Germany.

The lawsuit alleges infringement of 3M’s patent rights by Dental Direkt’s zirconia CAD/CAM blocks sold under the brand “DD Bio Z” and “DD Bio ZX2 translucent” and coloring liquids sold under the brands “DD Bio Z color classic” and “DD Bio ZX2 monolith Zero.”

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 company's dental division, 3M ESPE, has been recognized as the most innovative dental company for the past ten years by the Anaheim Group. This distinction is awarded based on the number of patent filings, 510k clearances and new product introductions.

About 3M

3M is a science-based company with a culture of creative collaboration that inspires powerful technologies, making life better. With $32 billion in sales, 3M employs 90,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNewsroom on Twitter.

3M
Lori Anderson, 651-733-0831

Source: 3M

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