The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and McNeil-PPC, Inc., the manufacturer and distributor of Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips, for patent infringement. These Listerine strips are sold throughout the U.S.

The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, alleges that the Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips infringe key P&G patents related to the tooth whitening active ingredient and delivery systems. The lawsuit seeks to stop J&J and McNeil-PPC, Inc. from making, selling and importing any products that infringe P&G's patents on tooth-whitening products. It also seeks recovery of damages.