DALLAS—Laminate flooring imported from China was recently seized at the port of New Orleans by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department after the agency found they infringed on patents related to Unilin’s Uniclic glueless locking system for these types of products.

Roger Farabee, Unilin’s senior vice president of marketing, said, “Patents and the protection of our intellectual property are integral parts of the company’s ability to continue to be an innovation leader in this area.”

In 2007, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) not only confirmed Unilin’s legal claims, it put into place a General Exclusion Order prohibiting entry into the U.S. of any unlicensed flooring products that violate the company’s patents, and gives violators 30 days to export the material or the confiscated product is destroyed.

Other than the fact these products came from China, the manufacturer, brand or parent company were not known. The government’s original seizure letter only lists the ship’s name and bill of landing number. Because of this, not only is the maker of the products not known, neither is the value of the shipment.

Based on historical data, a typical 40-foot container of low-end laminate, FCNews estimated a container’s worth at $80,500. There was evidence this seizure may have consisted of two containers.

Farabee noted in addition to Unilin including its patented glueless locking system in all the laminate flooring brands it manufactures—Mohawk, Quick•Step and Columbia Flooring—as well as in select engineered wood—Mohawk and Columbia Flooring—the company has formed legal licensing agreements with numerous companies in 52 countries, which is why it is important to maintain a strong stance against violators.

“Unilin has never hesitated to enforce its patents against infringements,” he added. “This has resulted in favorable rulings in Europe, Asia-Pacific and in the U.S.”