Unilin, Pfleiderer Patent Dispute Heats Up

Dalton, GA, May 27, 2008--Mohawk's Unilin Beheer BV division has counter-sued the Pergo AB division of Pfleiderer AG, the largest supplier of wood used in paneling and laminate flooring in North America, accusing it of infringing nine U.S. patents, according to Delaware Online.

Unilin, based in the Netherlands, asked for a jury trial, unspecified damages and an order to stop the sale of infringing laminated flooring, according to a complaint filed in federal court in Wilmington.

The products are available at Home Depot and Lowe's stores throughout the U.S. and on the Internet, Unilin contends in court papers.

In March, Pfleiderer sued Unilin in federal court in Greenville, N.C., alleging infringement of 13 patents.

Mohawk bought Unilin in 2005 for $2.62 billion. Pfleiderer paid $386 million for Sweden's Pergo AB last year.

Both have filed suit against other companies claiming they infringe patents for glueless laminate floor panels that snap together.

Pfleiderer said May 8 its contract with Atlanta-based Home Depot Inc., the world's top home-improvement retailer, could produce $80 million in revenue this year. About 25 percent of sales last year came from North America.