Quebec extruder receives patent for wood grain simulation

A technique used to reproduce wood grain on plastic window blinds developed by ExtrusioVinyl & Plastics Co. Inc. (Laval, QC) has received a Canadian patent. The method of simulating veining on extruded profiles permits a realistic simulation of wood grain coloration nuances. EVP is currently using the technique on its extrusions for horizontal window coverings slats marketed by its Direct Window Fashions/Decoration Direct division.
According to EVP vice-president Carmine Franco, the patent is important to the company’s competitive position. "Since releasing this new product to the market, inexpensive copies of our technology have rapidly entered the market, distributed by other companies active in the window covering business. These imports are a flagrant violation of EVP’s intellectual property rights and the granting of this patent establishes the legal grounds to protect our domestic manufacturing."
Franco says EVP intends to fully exercise its options to protect the intellectual property developed by its Canadian personnel.
"The future of Canadian industry depends on its continuing development of industrial technology, and patent protection and enforcement are essential weapons in the fight against predatory pricing by importers based on cheap labor economies."
EVP is a fully-integrated manufacturer of window covering products sold both to fabricators and direct to retailers through its Direct Window Fashions/Decoration Direct division. EVP also extrudes PVC and polystyrene profiles for construction, and produces medical tubing through its Med+Plast subsidiary. As well, the company provides custom extrusion.