COVER STORY


Think twice before choosing a copycat. Protect true innovation.


Imagine you’re looking to invest in new cleaning machines for your team and spot what appears to be the perfect solution – until you find an almost identical machine at half the price. Six months later, you receive devastating news: every one of your newly acquired machines must be seized and destroyed because they violate another company’s patents. Now you’ve lost your equipment, your investment, and possibly your reputation.


This scenario isn’t far-fetched. It’s the reality many unsuspecting buyers face when they opt for knock-off products. In the commercial cleaning world, i-team Global is taking a stand against such infringement by defending its flagship innovation: the i-mop.


The i-mop’s breakthrough In professional cleaning, few innovations have had the impact of the i-mop. By combining the agility of a mop with the efficiency of a scrubber dryer, it addressed a longstanding dilemma: how to clean floors quickly without compromising results. Instead of hauling bulky machines or relying on outdated mop-and-bucket systems, operators could clean various spaces, large or small, while leaving floors spotless and dry.


The i-mop’s unique design originated from years of R&D, backed by over 50 worldwide patents. These cover technical functions, design elements, branding, and usage. This robust patent portfolio underscores both the product’s originality and the company’s commitment to protecting its technology.


Why patents matter Spurring innovation


Patents offer companies a window of exclusivity to recoup development costs. Without them, inventions like the i- mop might never see continual refinement or reach commercial success.


Economic growth A patented product can spur an entire ecosystem, generating jobs, boosting supply chains, and igniting further research. Patents also encourage competition that builds on legitimate ideas rather than copying.


Protecting original ideas Far from just paperwork, patents validate the time and resources poured into an invention. For i-team, protecting the i-mop’s design, functionality, and branding ensures consumers invest in a genuine, fully supported product.


Ongoing legal action Despite the i-mop’s patent coverage, certain manufacturers still launch near-identical versions, hoping minor tweaks will stay


under the radar. i-team Global has responded with lawsuits to halt production and deter further infringement. For i-team, if inventors fail to defend their ideas, it opens the door to rampant copying and hinders future breakthroughs. By taking a strong stance, the company highlights patents as a cornerstone of progress, more than just protective paperwork.


Market change vs. copycats Healthy competition stimulates better solutions and fresh thinking. Copying, on the other hand, offers no genuine advancement. It simply borrows another company’s hard-earned reputation and confuses buyers. The biggest victims of knock- offs are often consumers who end up with subpar machines, zero reliable support, and potential legal risks if courts confirm patent violations.


Empowering the consumer How can you ensure that you’re investing in a product that stands on a solid foundation of R&D and legal legitimacy? To protect yourself, request a written guarantee or indemnification clause confirming that your purchase won’t infringe on third-party rights. This shifts the responsibility to the supplier. If they refuse, consider it a red flag.


The bigger picture Protecting inventions like the i-mop isn’t just about one machine. It’s about nurturing a climate where R&D can flourish. When patents are respected, innovators continue to push boundaries, and the market benefits from truly novel solutions, rather than copies.


For i-team Global, pursuing legal action against imitators is both an ethical and a business decision. By choosing the original i-mop, buyers invest in a proven technology that also supports a culture of invention and growth. In the end, defending patents safeguards not only a single product, but also the future of floor care and beyond.


For more information about patents or protecting your business scan the QR-code. For more information about the i-mop, contact us by sending an e-mail to hello@i-teamembassyuk.com, calling 01945 595177, or visiting i-teamglobal.com.


6 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING twitter.com/TomoCleaning


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