Another patent victory for Välinge. The EPO maintained Välinge’s European patents EP 1 260 654 as granted

Viken, Sweden - November 14, 2008

Välinge has now 12 patents that have successfully passed oppositions or final appeal. The success rate of Välinge is outstanding and considerably better than average at EPO.

This patent protects a laminate floor panel with a mechanical locking system and an underlay attached on the backside.

The maintained patent is based on the original PCT application from 1994 that has given many patents such as:

- Angling systems
- Snapping systems
- One-piece systems
- Systems with separate materials
- Angle-Snap installation methods
- Angling- angling installation methods
- Panels integrated with underlay.

Välinge was also the first company to show laminate panels with a tight fit locking and wax in the locking system at Domotex in January 1996. The major part of the locking technology used today is partly or completely based on the original Välinge invention.

"We have once again shown that out inventions are of a high quality and able to withstanding the ultimate test during the opposition procedures. Opponents that continuously fail in their oppositions are facing increased risks" says Darko Pervan CEO of Välinge.

Välinge will, if necessary, assert all its patent rights against companies who infringe upon its intellectual property and refuse to take a license or cease the unauthorized use of the patented technology.

Välinge is however pleased that the legal disputes have decreased considerably. Many settlements have been made recently. About 100 companies have signed license agreements with Välinge.

For further information please contact:

Ignace Gorus
Sr. Legal Counsel
Mobile : +32 476 66 99 50
e-mail :