Hamont, Belgium—I4F has entered into an exclusive patent partnership with Quickstyle Industries, giving I4F the sole licensing rights for Quickstyle’s grout patent family in all major markets worldwide, including the United States, Europe and Asia/Pacific.
“We are delighted to partner with Quickstyle on this innovative grout technology that is now immediately available via an I4F license,” said John Rietveldt, I4F CEO. “This unique grout is the latest addition to our materials and panel composition patent cluster that only includes the most meaningful and cutting-edge innovations out there today. We believe Quickstyle’s grout technologies will have a major impact on the market.”
Quickstyle Industries’ grout line technology offers flooring and wall panels with integrated grout lines that are said to be highly realistic and aesthetically pleasing, for which a number of U.S. patents as well as other patents abroad have been awarded. This technology focuses on rigid core with uniquely profiled mechanical joining systems combined with top layers of PVC or PVC decorative films and wear layer films. Its construction makes it highly durable and shields the grout lines from water-induced inconveniences such as mold. This, the company said, enables easy maintenance and means that, over time, grout lines look better than original ceramic equivalents and are more resistant to stains.
All new licenses for this technology may only be obtained via I4F, with the exception of Canada, where Quickstyle will continue to license its patents directly. Both companies will collaborate to maximize worldwide awareness of this innovation as well as to further develop the technology.
“We selected I4F to be the exclusive licensor for our unique grout patent family as we believe they are the best and most knowledgeable partner in the industry to represent us,” said Mike Alfieri, Quickstyle’s executive vice president. “Our partnership is designed to protect as well as help evolve further these technologies around the world.”