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3M Sues Andover Healthcare Over Medical Device

Lawsuit filed by diversified products maker alleges that an Andover Healthcare compression therapy system may be mistaken for a 3M product.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Diversified products maker 3M Co. said Friday it is suing Andover Healthcare Inc. over a compression therapy system.

3M's health care unit makes medical products and surgical supplies.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleges that an Andover system may be mistaken for a 3M system. 3M is seeking injunctive relief and damages.

3M makes the Coban 2 Layer Compression System, which is used for treating hypertension and ulcers in veins. 3M claims that that Andover's CoFlex 2 product appropriates "distinctive trade dress, copyrighted packaging and copyrighted instructions." The suit also alleges false advertising and unfair business practices.

An Andover representative was not immediately available for comment.

Shares of 3M fell $1.71, or 2 percent, to $83.29 in afternoon trading.

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