Innovations 4 Flooring (Willemstad, Curacao) filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to nullify a patent owned by Välinge (Prästavägen, Sweden).
Innovations 4 Flooring (Willemstad, Curacao) filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to nullify a patent owned by Välinge (Prästavägen, Sweden).
I4F believes Välinge’s patent is invalid because its claimed feature—a mechanism on the side of flooring, including wood flooring, that locks boards together—was known in the flooring industry prior to the patent being filed.
I4F, which licenses a similar technology to manufacturers, believes that invalidating the patent would eliminate the fear of facing an infringement claim, according to a statement from the company.
“Välinge’s patents have been imposed on the flooring industry for far too long, and their invalidation will positively impact freedom of choice in the industry,” said CEO John Rietvelt in a statement. “We are confident that our licensees and customers are protected against these claims, and will continue to do everything in our power to preserve freedom of choice for global flooring manufacturers.”
Välinge said in a statement that it strongly believes the claims of its patent will be found patentable.
"Välinge will continue to defend its intellectual property against challengers and infringers in the marketplace to the full extent of the law, thereby also protecting the interest of its licensees," the statement said.
Updated Oct. 3 to include a statement from Välinge.