After extensive mediation, a settlement agreement was reached with Defendants 3M Company and Staples, Inc. for alleged violations of federal and state antitrust, unfair competition, and consumer protection laws on behalf of indirect purchasers of 3M's invisible and transparent tape.  Plaintiffs alleged that through illegal restraints of trade, defendants attempted to monopolize the market for transparent tape, and requested damages in the form of monetary and injunctive relief.

On April 21, 2006, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued final approval of the settlement in this case for cash and 3M products with an aggregate value of $41 million, plus costs and expenses including attorney's fees.  Finkelstein Thompson LLP was co-lead counsel in the federal action during the pendency of this litigation.