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Introduction (Displays in bold) The new side push technology gives several advantages over 5G Original such as easier installation and a lower license fee for new licensees.

Body text 5G Original is a well-known vertical snap fold down system, which Välinge introduced on the market in 2004. More than 50 companies have obtained license rights to use this cost efficient and high quality fold down technology. The new side push technology, where a panel is locked with a side push that displaces a tongue when the panel is laying flat on the floor, will be promoted by Välinge at Domotex 2010. All floors shown at Domotex will have a side push fold down system such as 5G+ Wedge and 5G-S and many different versions of such systems will be shown including new high precision inserting equipment and screw cutters. Fold down installation utilizing the side push method offers mainlly the advantages that short sides of all floorboards in one row are unlocked after angling until next row is installed. Installation mistakes can easily be corrected. For example: - A panel with a damaged edge must be replaced. - Color differences or repetitive patterns are shown after installation and new board is needed. - The sub floor is not even and must be adjusted. - Last panel in the row could be cut too short. - large saw chips that are locked in between the edges must be removed. The folding of the panels is made without any resistance from a flexible tongue that must be pushed into a groove in order to snap back and lock. The tongue could be made as a very simple component and Eco friendly cost efficient wood fiber based materials could be used such as HDF. The IP structure on the 5G original vertical snap systems has become rather complicated recently especially in Germany. Välinge must pay considerable cross license fees to several patent holders in order to obtain indemnifications. Välinge is therefore not able to grant new licenses on 5G original with the same fee levels that the first 50 licensees have obtained. The new and higher fee levels that Välinge must charge are in most applications unfortunately not competitive in comparison with the new side push technology. Välinge has questioned the scope and validity of several fold down patents in opposition proceedings in Europe. The IP structure on side push technology is however less complicated and rather clear. Some versions, for example 5G-Wedge systems are covered by Välinge/Meister patents. Välinge has not questioned the validity and scope of the Meister patents where a cross license agreement exists based on reasonable terms. Several other side push versions, such as 5G-S are only covered by Välinge patents. Välinge could therefore offer new licenses on Side Push Technologies based on fee levels that are competitive and in line with the fee levels that initially were used for 5G Original. Several new licensees have therefore recently decided to introduce fold down locking systems based on the new side push technology. For further information, please contact: Mr. Per Nygren Sales & Market Director R&D Phone: +46 42 23 87 62 e-mail: per.nygren@valinge.se

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