Avoiding Infringement

Having a proactive approach for identifying risks can help flag potential problems early in the research and development phase, when design-around efforts can be more easily implemented. A preliminary in-house analysis can also help narrow down specific areas of risk that need further consideration by independent legal counsel, either because an independent non-infringement opinion is needed, or because alternative avenues, like in-licensing, may be more appropriate.

The Halo effect

November 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Threading carefully to minimize damages from patent infringement. The smart textile industry continues to respond to customer interest in interactive fabrics that meet a variety of needs, including the monitoring of athletic performance and the improvement of tissue reconstruction. This growth drive…
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Price and value in the agricultural markets

October 11, 2016  |  Business

Profit margins are tight for a lot of industries, but this is especially true in the agricultural arena, where profits can be wiped out—in some cases virtually overnight—by events beyond the control of growers and producers. Consequently, pricing has become a huge concern for all involved, say m…
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New technology and management strategies can prevent targeted cyberattacks

October 1, 2016  |  Business

Modern, targeted cyberattacks can take any organization by surprise. And these targeted cyberattacks are increasingly widespread. CBS “Money Watch” reported in June 2015 that more than 80 percent of U.S. companies have been successfully hacked, according to a Duke University/CFO Magazine Global …
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Shading for land or sea

October 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Sandy Sturner is the managing director of Marine Tech LLC, a St. Thomas, Virgin Islands-based sail and canvas shop that thrives on challenging and unusual projects. Established in 1999, Marine Tech focuses during the winter “high” season on marine canvas with an emphasis on mega-yachts, and duri…
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Coating tests that evaluate five types of durability

September 1, 2016  |  Business

The right coating chemistry can make the difference between a fabric that has long-lasting durability and one that fades, degrades and fails before its expected lifecycle. This is especially true of fabrics used in awnings, tents, flexible decking, outdoor furniture, marine upholstery and automotive…
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Blair Belluomo brings a strong and appreciative management style to the family business

September 1, 2016  |  Business, Features, Management, Perspective

I went to school with many kids whose parents had businesses, and they thought that just because their parents ran a successful business, they could just step in and be successful as well,” says Blair Belluomo, owner and president of Belle Isle Awning in Roseville, Mich. “So many of them failed…
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Test of time

September 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Bea Heinz, owner of Jefferson Tent & Awning Co., St. Louis, Mo., has a bit of experience in the custom canvas industry—51 years to be exact. Established in 1911, the majority of Jefferson Tent & Awning’s business consists of the custom manufacture of commercial and residential canvas awn…
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Canada is putting a new emphasis on developing smart textiles and wearable innovations

September 1, 2016  |  Business

Textile is rapidly becoming the most effective wearable technology form factor,” says Tony Chahine, CEO of Myant & Co., a member of the Canadian-based Smart Textile and Wearables Innovation Alliance (STWIA). “Smart textiles and wearables have the ability to provide a holistic picture of the …
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Bold predictions: What’s realistic for smart textiles

August 1, 2016  |  Business

The words smart textiles have generated much discussion in the industry and the media recently. India-based market research firm Markets and Markets has estimated that the value of this high-tech textile sector will grow to $4.7 billion by 2020. Given that the smart textile industry was estimated to…
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Providing “shady deals” since 1972

August 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Debbie Lacy, general manager of The House of Canvas Inc., Glendale, Ariz., takes pride in her family owned and operated custom awning business. From residential and commercial window awnings to shade screens and roll curtains, everything from start to finish is done in-house. Here, Lacy shares her t…
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