Välinge has signed several license agreements with manufacturers of wood plastic composite (WPC) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, thereby extending its IP protection through cross-licenses and non-assertion undertakings.

The period 2012 through 2015 was marked by several legal disputes regarding scope of protection and patent rights applicable to LVT and WPC products, thereby bringing uncertainties to the market. Claims regarding certain of these IP rights were sent to several LVT/WPC licensees and their customers during that period.

In order to eliminate market uncertainties, reduce legal costs for licensees and to speed up market introduction of new technologies, Välinge is now able to offer an Extended Patent Protection (EPP) for LVT and WPC flooring. The protection includes cross-licenses and non-assertion undertakings with companies such as Classen, Unilin, Windmöller, Mannington and US Floors. These third-party patent holders would have the right to take legal actions against producers, importers and distributors, dealing with infringing LVT and WPC products without this EPP.

Since Välinge announced the Extended Patent Protection (EPP) for LVT and WPC flooring earlier this year, companies have been granted an extension to their license agreements, according to the company.

For more information, visit valinge.se.