Article Number: 7271
Välinge and Mannington sign cross-license agreement
Välinge and Mannington have signed a cross-license agreement that gives Välinge the exclusive right to sub-license the Mannington IP related to LVT-locking technology to other producers of this flooring type.
The Välinge specific IP rights related to resilient flooring with priority from 2001 and the Mannington IP rights that describes a resilient floor with a mechanical locking system with priority from 1999 creates a very strong protection for any kind of LVT-floors with locking systems.
The LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) category is growing rapidly in both Europe and North America, mainly due to the fact that the floors now can be installed floating with a mechanical locking system. The recent years the printing and embossing technologies have also improved and in combination with the moisture resistance this flooring type has become an attractive alternative in both residential and commercial areas.
A large portion of the LVT floors with mechanical locking systems today is imports from Asia but several western based companies have initiated projects to create production capacity in Europe and US.
"We had a vision of mechanically locked LVT-floors already some 10 years ago. The IP coming out from this early development is now very important since the main principles are protected by our IP. The Välinge locking patents in combination with the specific resilient flooring related IP and the IP we now have exclusive rights to sublicensee from our patent pool partners makes Välinge the key licensor for companies that produce or sell a locking LVT. Our recent cross license agreement with Classen gives access to another important IP portfolio that is also relevant for LVT floors. Licensing of third party IP in combination with our own IP is an important part of our future licensing strategy" says Niclas Håkansson, CEO Välinge Innovation
"We are exited to announce this cross-license with Välinge. We believe this IP related to LVT locking systems creates a powerful leadership position in the fastest growing category in the industry." says Kim Holm, President Residential Business, Mannington Mills Inc.
The Välinge specific IP rights related to resilient flooring with priority from 2001 and the Mannington IP rights that describes a resilient floor with a mechanical locking system with priority from 1999 creates a very strong protection for any kind of LVT-floors with locking systems.
The LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) category is growing rapidly in both Europe and North America, mainly due to the fact that the floors now can be installed floating with a mechanical locking system. The recent years the printing and embossing technologies have also improved and in combination with the moisture resistance this flooring type has become an attractive alternative in both residential and commercial areas.
A large portion of the LVT floors with mechanical locking systems today is imports from Asia but several western based companies have initiated projects to create production capacity in Europe and US.
"We had a vision of mechanically locked LVT-floors already some 10 years ago. The IP coming out from this early development is now very important since the main principles are protected by our IP. The Välinge locking patents in combination with the specific resilient flooring related IP and the IP we now have exclusive rights to sublicensee from our patent pool partners makes Välinge the key licensor for companies that produce or sell a locking LVT. Our recent cross license agreement with Classen gives access to another important IP portfolio that is also relevant for LVT floors. Licensing of third party IP in combination with our own IP is an important part of our future licensing strategy" says Niclas Håkansson, CEO Välinge Innovation
"We are exited to announce this cross-license with Välinge. We believe this IP related to LVT locking systems creates a powerful leadership position in the fastest growing category in the industry." says Kim Holm, President Residential Business, Mannington Mills Inc.
.gif) |