• Technologies in i4F’s notifications would, if applicable, be utilized in the SPC products in question regardless of manufacturers choosing an i4F, Unilin, Välinge or VILOX click system.

Helsingborg, Sweden, 23 October 2024: VILOX, a technology company specializing in flooring and furniture installation solutions, today issued a clarification concerning previous communications towards the market by competitor i4F.

In May 2024, i4F issued notification letters to several companies within the flooring industry, asking for compensation for decorative SPC panels which, according to i4F, fall under the scope of its patents. Although some letters included a reference to VILOX’ click systems, it can be discerned from i4F’s communications that, if applicable, its referenced technologies would be utilized in the SPC products at issue regardless of the manufacturers’ choice of click system (i.e. whether they use a click system from for instance i4F, Unilin, Välinge or VILOX).

For SPC flooring, VILOX only offers licenses on its click systems, which remain available for all manufacturers. As an established licensor promoting fair market practices, VILOX encourages the industry to respect patented technologies. Hence, manufacturers should always ensure that they compensate all relevant patent holders or companies authorized to license the technologies they use.

To encourage i4F to itself promote fair practices and better market understanding, it was asked to provide clarification regarding the details outlined above. However, despite multiple requests, the company chose not to respond.