3M Sues Unauthorized Vendor for NYC N95 Mask Price-Gouging

3M Co. sued Performance Supply LLC in Manhattan federal court Friday, saying it falsely presented itself as an authorized vendor and offered 3M-brand N95 respirator masks to New York City’s Office of Citywide Procurement at a “grossly inflated” price of $45 million.

Performance Supply misused 3M’s trademarks on a “formal quote” to deceive the office into thinking it was affiliated with 3M, the complaint says.

“Despite 3M’s extensive efforts during COVID-19, unsavory characters continue their quests to take advantage of healthcare workers, first responders, and others in a time of need and trade off the fame of the 3M brand ...