Pergo’s flooring patents granted

Laminate flooring manufacturer Pergo has been awarded a European patent relating to fold-down technology.

The patent, one in a family of patents, was based on an initial application in 2000. A similar patent has been granted in the US.

It covers the folding movement where a flooring panel can be locked simultaneously on two edges with panels which have already been laid. The locking process on one of the edges takes place through a simple downward movement.

Ralf Eisermann, CEO of parent company Pfleiderer’s flooring division, told TTJ that Pergo would be more active with patents in the future.

“We have one of the biggest patent portfolio in the laminate flooring industry and we are going to take care of that portfolio,” he said.

"In the last few years we have been optimising and defending the portfolio but times are changing and we are back taking a more active role.”

The company has more than 500 patents in its portfolio.