Helsingborg, Sweden, 31 January 2024: VILOX, a technology company specializing in flooring installation solutions, today announced that the inter parties process between VILOX Sweden AB, Mohawk Industries, Inc., Flooring Industries Ltd. Sarl (Unilin), and IVC US Inc. conducted by US Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) outlines that VILOX click technology in non-foamed SPC floor panels is not subject to the General Exclusion Order (GEO) issued in International Trade Commission (ITC) Investigation No. 337-TA-1155. Driven to seek clarification from CBP concerning its technology, VILOX conducted research and assessments regarding the three underlying patents of the GEO, beyond their typical focus on click systems.

Effective immediately, this ruling frees producers and importers who are compliantly utilizing VILOX’ licensed mechanical locking and adhering to CBP’s recent ruling from all obligations linked to the GEO. The 2020 ruling for certain luxury vinyl tiles flooring was at times interpreted to require all goods to feature a holographic label —Label-2-Click— from Unilin, Välinge or I4F in order to enter the US market. In accordance with CBP’s ruling, VILOX’ locking technology is now formally recognized and distinguished from the intellectual property rights requiring the Label-2-Click, solidifying VILOX’ position as one of the four licensors.

VILOX licensees will be provided with information on the procedure and additional assistance on how to use VILOX technologies. Licensees will confirm their compliance with VILOX’ terms by attaching the VILOX label to their flooring products, a method that has been established for several years already.

Bobby Markovski, CEO of VILOX, expressed his enthusiasm about the news:

“This is great news for both our customers and the entire industry. The CBP’s ruling acts as further validation of the legality of VILOX’ click technologies within the flooring sector. It also highlights VILOX’ dedication to advancing technology in flooring, with a keen interest in continuing its significant progress.”