Classen raises action against Kronotex for infringement of surface technology patent

On the 23rd of July, 2007 the Classen Group, Kaisersesch raised an action against Kronotex GmbH & Co. KG, Wittstock at the district court in Düsseldorf (File number 4b 0 165/07) for infringement of a patent for the production of surfaces for various flooring types. The Classen Group cites its European Patent EP 1 002 170 B1 in this case, which was registered on 14th October 1998 (and the registration publicised on 24th May 2000). Classen had already, at that time, ensured protection for itself with a process for producing and structuring a flooring panel where, during production of a laminate

floor it is possible to do away with the décor paper and print the décor directly onto the bearer material and finally covered with a protective layer in which abrasion resistant material is mixed. Classen are of the opinion that particular products produced by Kronotex in large numbers make use of the technology in the aforementioned patent as they are produced using a sandwich construction of a printed bearer and an overlay with melamine content.

This legal dispute is now the second time in a short period in which the Classen Group has raised an action against Kronotex. The first action was already decided in the first instance in the favour of Classen one month ago, again by the district court in Düsseldorf. In this instance the action was based on a laminate product from Kronotex in which the short profile utilised a locking element (the so called 5G system from Välinge Innovation AB) and with this, according to the court, infringed the older patent rights of the European Classen Megaloc Patent. Classen believes, now that the indisputable judgement has arrived, that an appeal will not follow.

About the Classen Group, The Classen Group produces high quality wood and wood based products for internal renovation purposes. In the area of laminate flooring Classen is one of the leading manufacturers worldwide. With regard to product development the DIY user is always at the centre of the decision making process. The success of the products is closely related to their quality and also to the aim of always trying to meet the ever-increasing demands of the customers. The Classen Group is the global partner to the specialist trade sectors.

CLASSEN Gruppe - Herr Arne Loebel - Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 18-20, 56759 Kaisersesch, Tel. +49 2653 9800, Fax +49 2653 980699