3M created the Post-it Note brand and launched the product nationwide in 1980.
The story began when 3M scientist Spencer Silver developed a reusable, pressure-sensitive adhesive in 1968. The adhesive was strong enough to stick but weak enough to remove cleanly. For years, Silver searched for a practical use for it.
A breakthrough came when 3M scientist Art Fry used the adhesive on bookmarks for his church hymnal. The resulting paper notes could be attached, removed, and repositioned without damaging pages. 3M first test-marketed the product as Press ’n Peel before adopting the Post-it Note name.
The brand is sometimes confused with Scotch Tape, another 3M product line. Scotch Tape is a continuous adhesive tape, whereas Post-it Notes are individual paper notes coated with removable adhesive.