How Uniclic revolutionised the entire flooring industry
October 6, 2025 • 5 minutes reading
What began as a clever technical solution to facilitate the installation of laminate flooring grew into a game changer in the flooring industry while laying the foundation for the success of Unilin Technologies, Unilin’s IP and licensing division.
In short
- In 1997, Unilin patented its new Uniclic click system.
- This click system enabled homeowners to install their own floor.
- This single patent led to the creation of Unilin Technologies: Unilin’s licensing and patent division, which operates globally. Unilin Technologies translates our technological innovations into patents and licences for companies both within and outside our own group.
In 1997, Unilin registered a patent for a new click system that made it easier to install laminate flooring: Uniclic. From then on, you could simply click the planks together, eliminating the need to glue or nail the floor down.
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Democratisation of laminate flooring
Launched under the Quick-Step brand, the system marked a major breakthrough. It signalled the democratisation of laminate flooring: in addition to being durable, wear-resistant and affordable, it also became the perfect flooring option for DIYers. Suddenly, anyone could install flooring themselves, turning laminate into the most popular flooring category almost overnight.
Later, through continuous improvements and adaptations, Uniclic also found its way into other flooring categories and even into the rest of the flooring market when Unilin decided to share the technology. A competitor’s request to use Uniclic marked the beginning of a new model: licensing rather than maintaining exclusivity. By opening up the system to the market through licensing agreements, Unilin not only increased its own market share, but the innovation also accelerated the growth of the entire flooring category.
The birth of Unilin Technologies
What followed was the systematic development of a licensing and patent strategy that led to the founding of Unilin Technologies. The department matured into an independent division within Unilin, with its own mission: to share knowledge and technology, both internally and externally. What began with Uniclic is now a fully-fledged business operating worldwide.
Unilin Technologies translates the technological innovations of its R&D teams into patents and licenses for companies both within and outside its own group. Its approach is unique: not only does it protect what is developed in-house but it also actively enters into partnerships with external players. Companies that lack the resources or expertise to bring their inventions to market can turn to Unilin Technologies for expertise, guidance and an international network.
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Innovation as an ongoing strategy
The strength of this model lies in its scalability. Making technology accessible through licensing accelerates rather than impedes innovation, resulting in sustainable collaborations that benefit all parties. Today, innovation is therefore an essential part of Unilin’s DNA. The formula for success? Turning smart ideas into impactful technologies and sharing them with the world.
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