Flooring Giants in China Form New Patent Alliance

Jiangsu-based Dewei Wood Industry and Shenzhen's Yekalon Industry announced in mid-June that they will jointly found a national floorboard patent alliance. The alliance enables members to share patents, integrate information and technologies and improve innovation at reduced costs, said Xiao Luqing, secretary-general of the Patent Protection Association of China.

With core patented technologies in the industry, the organization aims to protect the interests of China's floorboard makers and increase their influence in the global market, industrial insiders said. Through cross licenses, a patent pool and a shared information service system, the industrial alliance is also expected to provide technology and funds to assist members in international patent disputes, experts said.

Co-founders of the alliance have experience in international courts. Yekalon prevailed in unfair competition litigation against global flooring giant Unilin in a Germany court early this year, while Deweil won a three-year patent suit against a Spanish floorboard maker. "Domestic companies should study international rules and value industrial associations to better be positioned in global competition," said Ge Yuejin, board chairman of Dewei.

(Source: SIPO 2010-07-05)