A recent agreement allows the Calgary-based HeatLink and its affiliate PexCor Manufacturing Inc. to use Uponor’s patented technology for PEX pipe manufacturing. The intellectual property licensing agreement resolves ongoing litigation in the U.S. and Canada regarding infringement of Uponor’s Canadian Patent 2,232,376.
On March 16, 2016, Uponor secured a favorable ruling from the Federal Court of Canada regarding its patent infringement case against the two companies and had an additional case pending in the U.S. The ruling had required HeatLink, PexCor and related companies to halt manufacture and sale of PEX piping. Through the new agreement, they can resume business under a license agreement with Uponor.
“We’re pleased that we were able to come to an agreement that protects our valuable intellectual property,” says Bill Gray president of Uponor North America. “It’s a fair outcome for all involved and allows us to focus on our respective markets and customers.”
“We’re pleased that we were able to resolve this issue in a way that allows us to continue to meet the needs of our customers and our employees,” says Manfred Schmidt, CEO of HeatLink.
Uponor North America, Inc. is a provider of plumbing, fire safety, radiant heating/cooling, hydronic piping and pre-insulated piping systems for residential and commercial applications. The company employs about 500 people at its North American headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn.
HeatLink Group Inc.is a supplier of PEX-a plumbing, potable water systems, and radiant heating and cooling systems for the residential and commercial building markets across North America. As a fully integrated plumbing and heating manufacturing company, it offers a complete system approach.
