Unilin Files Suit Against Hansol Homedeco in Korea

Wielsbeke, Belgium, November 21, 2006--Unilin announces the filing of a preliminary patent infringement action against Hansol Homedeco before the district court in Seoul, South Korea. The case is based upon KR 430315, a patent that protects specific glueless systems for joining floor boards together. The products affected include the Hansol lock and the Hansol Reve product. These products represent major parts of the Hansol’s sales in the laminate flooring segment. A decision is expected within 3 to 6 months. A similar lawsuit between Unilin and Hansol Homedeco in the US before the International Trade Commission, resulted in a decision on July 3, 2006 that the same Hansol products infringe the US 6,490,836 patent of Unilin, which contains claims that are equivalent with the now invoked Korean patent. An earlier opposition against Unilin’s Korean patent KR 430 315 resulted in a confirmation by the Korean Intellectual Property Office of the validity this Unilin’s Korean patent. Unilin has protected this glueless technology with more than 250 patents applications in over 50 countries. The technology has already been licensed to more than 70 companies. Unilin continues to use all means to ensure respect for its inventions. The filing of this 3rd case in the Asia-Pasific area shows Unilin’s commitment to seek worldwide respect for its patented technology.