Until 3M's patent expired in the 1990s, Post-it type notes were produced only in the company's plant in Cynthiana, Kentucky. In 2003, the company introduced 'Post-it Brand Super Sticky Notes', with a stronger glue that adheres better to vertical and non-smooth surfaces. The following year, they were launched in Canada and Europe.

The product was sold as 'Post-Its' at its 1979 introduction, and was rolled out across the United States from April 6, 1980. A year later, 3M gave free samples to consumers in Boise, Idaho, with 94 percent of those who tried them indicating they would buy the product.

The adhesive side of a Post-it Note, magnified 555 times with a scanning electron microscopeģM test marketed the product as 'Press 'n Peel' bookmark in stores in four cities in 1977, but results were disappointing. While use of the trademark 'Post-it' in a representative sense refers to any sticky note, no legal authority has ever held the trademark to be generic. Īlthough 3M's patent expired in 1997, 'Post-it' and the original notes' distinctive yellow color remain registered company trademarks, with terms such as 'repositionable notes' used for similar offerings manufactured by competitors. As of 2019, there are at least 26 documented colors of Post-it Notes.

Originally small yellow squares, Post-it Notes and related products are available in various colors, shapes, sizes and adhesive strengths. A low- tack pressure-sensitive adhesive allows the notes to be easily attached, removed and even re-posted elsewhere without leaving residue. A small pad of original style lined yellow Post-It brand notesĪ Post-it Note (or sticky note) is a small piece of paper with a re-adherable strip of glue on its back, made for temporarily attaching notes to documents and other surfaces.

Free post it notes for desktop