Top executives from Faus Group attending the Domotex conference in Shanghai, China, say they have finalized a licensing deal with a local manufacturer. The agreement, which covers the Embossed-In-Register and JointGuard edge technologies developed by Faus, was announced as company president Juan Flores was set to attend the March 28-30 conference along with other representatives from Faus.  

Under the terms of the deal, the Shanghai-base ChinaFloors Timbers will be permitted to incorporate a laminate floor embossing process that is designed to create a look and texture that closely mirrors the authenticity of natural wood, ceramic or stone. At the time Faus was granted a patent for the technology in July 2002, company officials hailed the process as a breakthrough, saying it enables manufacturers to “surpass previously available laminate flooring products.”

The JointGuard edge technology also included in the licensing deal was designed to add a unique level of protection to joints and seams of the laminate floor. The glueless system was developed as a means of prolonging the life of the product without compromising the embossed design. Faus was issued a patent for the design in 2002.

In announcing the agreement, Faus noted that it has many similar deals with companies around the world. Still, it noted that its partnership in China is unique. “ChinaFloors has become a part of a growing number of licensees of the Faus patents and the first Chinese company to do so.”

The company also noted that it will pursue manufacturers that produce products that infringe on its established patents. “Faus intends to continue enforcing its patents against unlicensed users worldwide,” company officials said.