HeatLink Group Inc. today announced that it has signed a technology licensing agreement with Uponor AB that allows the company to resume manufacture and sale of PEX piping and resolves ongoing intellectual property litigation in Canada and the U.S.
The Federal Court of Canada issued a ruling in March 2016 that halted HeatLink and its associated companies from manufacturing and selling PEX piping in Canada based on infringement of Uponor intellectual property. Following the ruling, the two companies came to a licensing agreement that allows HeatLink to resume its manufacturing and sales operations.
HeatLink Group Inc. and PexCor Manufacturing Inc. are affiliated companies based in Calgary, Alberta, that manufacture and sell PEX pipe. The agreement, which allows their use of Uponor’s patented technology for PEX pipe manufacturing under license, resolves ongoing litigation in the U.S. and Canada regarding infringement of Uponor’s Canadian Patent 2,232,376.
"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.
“We’re pleased that we were able to come to an agreement that protects our valuable intellectual property,” says Bill Gray, president, Uponor North America. “It’s a fair outcome for all involved and allows us to focus on our respective markets and customers.”
HeatLink Group Inc. is a leading 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, they offer a complete system approach. HeatLink’s international reputation has been built on more than 25 years of experience, innovation and industry leadership.
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 has received recognition for best-in-class manufacturing, sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, business growth, economic development, workplace giving and being a top workplace. Uponor, Inc. employs about 500 people at its North American headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn.