The European Patent Office has confirmed the grant of European Patent 2,248,665, a patent for a thermoplastic laminate plank with a grooved PVC core, a print layer and a protective layer. The patent is related to the partnership between Mannington Mills and Välinge, first announced in January 2012. Välinge has the exclusive right to sub-license Mannington’s IP rights relating to LVT locking technology.
“We are very pleased as this patent further strengthens our existing portfolio of locking LVT patents,” said Kim Holm, president, Residential Business, Mannington. “LVT is the fastest growing category in floor covering and locking technology is a driving force behind much of this growth.”
“The combination of the Välinge general locking patents, our specific LVT patents and the Mannington patents, together with Välinge’s exclusive rights to other third party locking patents, create a unique IP strength,” said Niclas Håkansson, CEO, Välinge. “This is also why several large producers in this category have already signed up for an additional license, or are in negotiations to do so.”
The European Patent Office published the mention of the grant of the European Patent 2,248,665 on January 23, 2013.