3M files lawsuit against Andover Healthcare over CoFlex 2 Layer Compression System

3MApr 16 2010

3M and 3M Innovative Properties Co. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota today against Andover Healthcare Inc. seeking injunctive relief and damages regarding Andover's CoFlex 2 Layer Compression System.

The suit alleges, among other claims, a strong likelihood of confusion, mistake and deception between Andover's CoFlex 2 product and 3M's innovative Coban 2 Layer Compression System arising from Andover's wholesale appropriation of 3M's distinctive trade dress, copyrighted packaging and copyrighted instructions. The suit also alleges false advertising and unfair business practices.

Compression therapy is considered a standard of care for treating venous hypertension and venous ulcers, which are a serious problem for many Americans, including the elderly and people with vascular disease or poor circulation. 3M has invested in extensive research and new laboratory methods to improve compression therapy for patients.

3M Coban 2 Layer Compression Systems are clinically proven to comfortably deliver sustained, therapeutic compression to reduce the edema associated with venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and other conditions where compression therapy is appropriate.