L2C label program
Unilin Technologies, the intellectual property division of Unilin, protects and commercializes the patent portfolio of the Mohawk Group and its external partners. In doing so, many patented technologies have been made available to licensed partners all over the world.
L2C label program
In order to identify boxes of flooring that are given patent protection under the license of Unilin Technologies, the “License to Click” or “L2C Label Program” was introduced in April 2012. A box of flooring products that is correctly labelled can be considered as licensed. If not correctly labelled, the flooring products are considered to be unlicensed, even if they are made by a licensee. The L2C label program is thus a method to facilitate the detection of infringing products and in doing so it contributes to fair competition and the maximum protection of Unilin’s licensed partners and their customers.
The L2C labels are unique, numbered, holographic stickers that flooring manufacturers from certain regions are required to attach to their boxes of flooring products. It is important to make sure that all glueless locking products made in those specific regions carry an L2C label. Products making use of a glueless locking system that are not labelled according to the instructed guidelines, will be considered as unlicensed products, even if they are manufactured by a licensed company, and will be legally treated as such.
When to use the labels?
The use of the L2C labels is mandatory for every box of flooring using one of Unilin's patents.
Which labels are there?
The L2C label program consists of 4 different labels that each have a specific color. These colors indicate in which parts of the world the products can be sold.
The L2C program was joined by Välinge Innovation AB (in 2012) and I4F (in 2020). This will increase the success of the L2C label program to identify licensed products even further. Each licensor (Unilin, Välinge Innovation AB and I4F) has its own labels bearing its own respective logo. A licensor’s L2C label can only be applied to products sold under a license with such licensor.
The map below shows which color applies to which specific regions.
Frequently asked questions
To avoid any confusions on the market concerning the L2C label program, we listed some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers. If you have a specific question concerning the L2C label program or Unilin’s licensed technologies, please do not hesitate to contact us via info.technologies@unilin.com.
Where can I find a list of all Unilin partners that have a valid license?
You can find a list of our licensed partners here.
Licensee listHow can I order labels?
Only Unilin’s licensed partners can order labels. Please contact us to become a licensed partner.
Contact usWhat is the cost of these labels?
These labels are provided at no additional cost to licensed manufacturers.
Can importers or distributors order/apply for L2C labels?
No, L2C labels are provided to manufacturers only. However, importers and distributors dealing in unlabeled glueless products can also be found to infringe the specific patent rights of Unilin. In case one of your suppliers has not applied labels on your boxes, please contact us to resolve the situation.
Contact usWhat if my order does not have a label attached to it?
Products without labels are considered as unlicensed, even if they are made by a licensee, and will imply the same legal issues as products made by unlicensed manufacturers. Please contact us as soon as possible to report these unlabeled products in order to limit legal risks.
Contact usWhat if there is a wrong or fake label on the box?
These products will be considered as unlicensed products, even if they are manufactured by a licensed partner. Please contact us as soon as possible to report these products in order to limit legal risks.
Contact usWhat are the consequences of a General Exclusion Order from the US International Trade Commission with respect to the label program?
To further improve fair competition and protection of Unilin licensees, Administrative Law Judge Shaw of the US International Trade Commission (ITC) recommended to grant Unilin Technologies a General Exclusion Order against all importation of PVC based products falling under the Unilin patents without license or other permission. On the 16th of September 2020, the US ITC confirmed this recommendation of ITC Judge Shaw. This General Exclusion Order is a measure by which US customs will actively monitor all incoming shipments of flooring products to check whether the products are indeed produced and sold under a license of Unilin patents. To avoid this exclusion in the US, Unilin’s licensed partners that are subject to the labelling obligations should make sure they properly label their manufactured products that have locking systems and pay for them according to the contractual obligations.
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