3M Files Lawsuit Against 
Distributor for Alleged Price 
Gouging of N95 Masks The lawsuit filed on Friday alleges that 
Performance Supply LLC posed as an 
authorized vendor of 3M-branded N95 respirators. N95 respirators are designed to 
filter 95% of airborne particles. They are one of the personal protective items 
most needed by medical professionals 
fighting the coronavirus outbreak. According to the lawsuit, Performance Supply 
“offered to sell $45 million in N95 
respirators to New York City officials 
at prices 500-600% over 3M’s list price.” The company offered about 7 million 3M masks 
to city officials on March 30 at over $6 each, 
according to the lawsuit. 3M said that it will donate any 
damages recovered in the lawsuit to 
COVID-19-related nonprofit organizations.