I4F Click to introduce new Patent Cluster Concept (PCC)

-Pick and choose’ patent menu offers licensees transparency and flexibility

-Avoids paying for unused patents

-Focus on value creation for I4F licensees

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced plans to introduce its new Patent Cluster Concept (PCC) system at this year’s DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR. With I4F representing portfolios of patents across multiple categories, the new system groups patents falling under the same category in so-called “clusters”. This offers I4F licensees more options to pick and choose patents, or groups of patents, that best meet their most current business needs or create new business and revenue streams. PCC also provides full transparency on the composition of license fees to obtain the best return on investment while avoiding unnecesary payments for unused patents. 

John Rietveldt, I4F’s CEO, comments, “We think it’s about time global flooring industry players were offered more choice and transparency when it comes to patented innovations.  Our menu means manufacturers can select intellectual property that best suits their business.  And, our licensees will be able to regularly evaluate which cluster provides them with optimal patent protection and returns in line with market changes and new products. As we develop pricing for specific families of patents within each cluster, this flexibility will increase even more, supporting our goal to revolutionize the global flooring industry through freedom of choice.  I4F licensees can choose what they want and know exactly what they are paying for!”

I4F is an innovations group focused on the development of patents and technologies for the flooring industry. Its portfolio includes IP for flooring installation and wall mounting systems, material compositions, surface treatment as well as laminate and board production technologies. I4F has strategic partnerships with the industry’s most important IP players, including Classen, Kronospan, UWC and Kowon. The company’s flagship technologies, 3L TripleLock and Click 4U, provide a unique one piece drop-lock installation technique for flooring panels that eliminates the need for an additional insert on the short side.  The solution is suitable for laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, wood plastic composite, rigid core flooring, multi-layer flooring and wooden flooring panels.  International patents and patent applications for I4F’s technologies have been granted and filed in over 100 countries worldwide.