Why Patent Rights Are So Important in the Nonwovens Industry

Technology

nonwovens

The growing global market and rapid technological advancements have intensified competition in the nonwovens industry. Today, patent rights are a decisive business advantage. Operating in this globalized environment necessitates safeguarding innovations – not only to secure the position of leading machine manufacturers like Reifenhäuser Reicofil who have invested in the development of the innovations but also to protect customers, who rely on their systems to manufacture high-quality products with legal certainty, and their customers, who further process these nonwovens into valuable end products.

These 3 points should be kept in mind:

1
Patent Protection Enables Licensing of Innovative Nonwovens for the Entire Market

A typical example of the importance of patent rights is the production of innovative asymmetrical composite nonwovens. These nonwovens utilize a specific material structure, typically comprising two layers of spunbond and one layer of meltblown. Variants of these products, such as SSMMMS, SSMMS, or SSMS, are widely utilized in the hygiene and medical sectors, including baby diapers and protective clothing. Japanese company Mitsui developed this specialized nonwoven structure – which is protected by patent EP 1 980 390 – in close collaboration with Reicofil. Within this partnership, Reicofil has become a licensee, enabling the machine manufacturer to market systems for producing these innovative nonwovens to customers throughout the entire market.

2
Patent Licensing Provides Legal Certainty to Nonwoven Producers and Converters

This licensing arrangement provides significant benefits to the customers. Manufacturers of SSMMMS, SSMMS, or SSMS products can confidently produce and sell their nonwovens to end customers without legal uncertainties. Downstream converters, who transform these nonwovens into hygiene and medical products, particularly benefit – a critical advantage over competitors who might source nonwovens from unlicensed imitators. Conversely, companies that disregard patent rights face substantial risks including involvement in costly patent disputes, potential product recalls, and, in the worst-case scenario, the shutdown of production facilities. With increasing market transparency, patent violations are more likely to come to light, underscoring the importance of operating within the bounds of legal protection.

3
Patent Compliance Drives Long-Term Industry Success

For machine manufacturers like Reicofil it is crucial to remain at the forefront of technological advancements while ensuring legal protection. Customers and their customers expect not only efficiency and superior quality but also the certainty that their investments in machinery and systems are secure. By prioritizing patent compliance and innovation, suppliers enable their customers to confidently navigate the market, leveraging legally secure solutions to deliver high-quality products to their own clients. In doing so, they contribute to a robust, innovation-driven nonwovens industry that benefits all stakeholders in the long term.

Reifenhäuser Reicofil provides investment protection:

The legal implications for unauthorized marketing and the use of machines for patented products are manifold. Even in countries where the patent does not apply, it could be considered unfair competition. However, Reifenhäuser Reicofil has its own product patents and the necessary licenses and rights to ensure that their customers can use these advanced production technologies without compromising their competitive integrity. Reicofil is committed to providing its customers with not only efficiency and quality, but also the assurance that their investments are protected in the long term.