Shanghai, China—Diamond Global Partners (DGP), a Shanghai based company, has been given the full exclusive endorsement of the government for Jiangsu, a province of China, to facilitate the licensing agreements between businesses owning the rights to patents on laminate flooring locking systems and manufacturers of all laminate and wood flooring originating in that province. “This agreement marks the first government sponsored effort to comply with internationally recognized patent regulations in China,” explained Raymond Kwong, CEO of DGP.

“It sets a precedent for other governments in other provinces and encourages participation in those regions. It will impact the entire flooring industry in China in a very positive way, and lead to a more level playing field globally. And, as the industry consolidates, we are poised to take this to the next level. The Chinese government is willing to work together toward a solution rather than resorting to the courts.”

Kwong noted that DGP is in a unique position to manage this effort as the company has, “strong relationships within both the Chinese government and the manufacturing sector needed to initiate and enforce these agreements.” In addition, Kwong is the chairman for several important organizations, including the Jiansu Flooring Industrial Association.

He is also the foreign investment consultant for the Wujin People’s Government. DGP has been holding meetings with key patent holding companies during the past several months in an effort to enlist them as partners. “There are no current formal agreements but progress has been promising,” concluded Don McMahon, DGP’s executive vice president. “We believe this is the most direct route toward resolving this issue.” For more information call McMahon, at 678/591-0042. —Kathlene Vercellino