3M has identified two unlicensed users of its patented technology in Germany. (Photo: Pressmaster/Shutterstock)
2013-11-11 | Business Americas

ST. PAUL, Minn., USA/DÜSSELDORF, Germany: Last week, 3M, global supplier of dental products and materials, filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Metoxit, a company that produces components for high-performance ceramics for medical and industrial applications, and White Peaks Dental Systems, a German manufacturer of zirconia blanks.

According to 3M, both companies used 3M's patented dental ceramic coloring technology, which enables coloring of ceramics by color-matching dental restorations to the natural color of a patient's teeth, for a number of products without obtaining a license. 

Allegedly, Metoxit infringed 3M's patent rights by coloring liquids sold under the brands Z-CAD, FlowPen and Z-CAD Liquid, as well as zirconia CAD/CAM blocks sold under the Z-CAD brand. In addition, 3M has accused White Peaks Dental Systems of using its technology for its brands CopranColor, Copran Ultra-T Color and MonolithColor, as well as zirconia CAD/CAM blocks sold under the Copran Zr brand. 

Currently, 3M has licensed its patent to a considerable number of dental manufacturers, including VITA Zahnfabrik, DENTSPLY Prosthetics, DENTSPLY International, Zirkonzahn,Wieland Dental and Ivoclar Vivadent.