LePage's Corporation, et al. v. 3M (Minnesota Mining, et al.)

Antitrust Claim - LePage's claimed that 3M attempted to use its monopoly power to drive LePage's out of market for transparent tape. LePage's, best know as a manufacturer of school glue, has, in recent years manufactured only transparent tape products. LePage's argued that 3M has enjoyed monopoly power in the market for invisible and transparent tape. 3M controlled approximately 90% of the market with its Scotch and Highland brands. LaPage's developed a line of transparent tape products which it offered to companies like Staples to sell in its store under its own private label and for less than the 3M products. LePage claimed that 3M set out to take its best accounts from it by forcing them to dump LaPage's products or risk being deprived of generous rebates from 3M.

3M claimed that its actions were designed and intended to reduce prices. 3M also argued that LePage's did not like competition. 3M denied that it broke the law or abused the market power possessed by it.

Jury verdict for plaintiff for $22,828,899.00.

Terry L. Musika and Kenneth C. Baseman, economist.

Unknown

Assuming the verdict is not defective or the process which result in the verdict flawed in some fashion, the court should tripple the verdict and enter a judgment against 3M in the amount of $68,486,697.