The European Patent Office has published the mention of the grant of the European Patent 2,248,665, which is part of the patent cooperation between Mannington Mills and Välinge, announced in January 2012.
Välinge has the exclusive right to sub-license Mannington’s IP rights relating to LVT locking technology. One of Mannington’s European patent applications, claiming priority from Dec. 14, 1999 and being relevant for vinyl flooring with a tongue and groove connection, is now granted.
The patent relates to a thermoplastic laminate plank having a PVC core, a print layer and a protective layer, wherein the core has a groove located on a side of the core. Thereby, the patent is relevant for thermoplastic floorings having any kind of connection means comprising a tongue and groove.
“We are very pleased as this patent further strengthens our existing portfolio of locking LVT patents. LVT is the fastest growing category in floor covering and locking technology is a driving force behind much of this growth,” said Kim Holm, president, residential business, Mannington Mills.
“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. 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,” Niclas Håkansson, CEO, Välinge explained.
The European Patent Office published the mention of the grant of the European Patent 2,248,665 on Jan. 23, 2013.