3M Innovative Properties
Manages intellectual property rights for 3M's additive manufacturing materials and technologies, including advanced polymers, adhesives, and abrasives used in 3D printing applications.
- CEO / Founder
- William M. Brown
- Team Size
- 2-10
- Stage
- Active
Technology & Products
Key Products
IP management services; Patent licensing; Trademark protection; Technology transfer agreements
Technological Advantage
Access to 3M's broad R&D pipeline and patent portfolio in advanced materials (e.g., adhesives, abrasives, polymers) relevant to AM, providing a defensible moat through proprietary formulations and processes.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Protects and monetizes 3M's IP portfolio in AM materials, enabling customers to leverage patented technologies for improved part performance, durability, and cost-efficiency in additive manufacturing processes.
How They Differentiate
Focuses exclusively on IP management for 3M's AM materials, unlike competitors who directly manufacture and sell materials; leverages 3M's established brand and R&D scale in materials science.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare companies using 3D printing
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Automotive; Electronics; Healthcare; Industrial Manufacturing
Competitors
Honeywell International; DuPont; BASF SE
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Parent 3M 2024 net sales: $23.6 billion (adjusted); 2024 new products launched: 169 (up 32% from prior year); R&D investment: ~6% of revenue (> $2 billion in 2023); 100,000th patent by 2014, ~3,000 annually; Patents by 3M Innovative Properties: Multiple filings/applications in 2013 (e.g., ligand functionalized substrates, elastic bonding films for fabrics)
Major Milestones
1998: Founded as 3M's IP subsidiary; 2024: William M. Brown appointed CEO; Ongoing: Manages IP for 3M's AM materials innovations