At Extremis, we've been crafting exceptional design furniture since 1994, and we take immense pride in the quality, creativity and durability that defines it. Yet, over the years, we have encountered a challenge that we're committed to addressing: the invasion of 'copycats' who are replicating our unique designs. It's like dealing with a secret society of furniture espionage… But we're here to set the record straight.
License to Copy
The value of Creativity
Our founder and head designer, Dirk Wynants, understands that true design excellence goes beyond materials and manufacturing. Introducing a new, innovative product to the market demands substantial investments in labor, prototype development, marketing, and sales efforts, all with no guarantee of success. Generating new ideas is a lifelong pursuit, while turning them into reality requires a wealth of knowledge and experience.
In stark contrast, creating a copy requires no creativity, guarantees success, and immediately offers a risk-free path. We don't mind a shortcut once in a while, but let's keep it fair, shall we?
Introducing a new, innovative product to the market demands substantial investments in labor, prototype development, marketing, and sales efforts, all with no guarantee of success
Protecting Intellectual Property
Extremis takes a proactive approach to safeguarding its intellectual property worldwide, reflecting our dedication to crafting timeless and long-lasting products. In stark contrast to the fashion industry's dynamic, where increased copies may elevate brand value, the furniture sector operates differently. Companies replicating our products pose a significant challenge to us, as these copies misrepresent our unwavering commitment to quality.
Our designs, celebrated with prestigious awards, are renowned for their unparalleled originality, making them easier to protect from imitators. Copycats always face legal consequences, with courts consistently affirming their status as copies necessitating removal or destruction. Yet, we take a responsible approach to sustainability. Destroying perfectly usable furniture, even when wrongfully replicated, doesn't align with our values.
Choosing Sustainability
While the law supports our position, we prefer not to seek the destruction of imitations but instead open the door to a more sustainable approach. After obtaining a licensing fee, we tolerate their existence on the condition that it is clearly indicated that they are not authentic Extremis designs with the tag “This is not an Extremis original.” Instead of legally pursuing a ‘License to Kill,’ we choose, from our commitment to sustainability, to issue a ‘License to Copy,’ provided that the immaterial part of the creation is compensated for and that the infringement is not repeated.
Extremis creations are not only distinctive in appearance but also designed down to the smallest detail.
Let’s Keep it Original
Do you want to make sure you have an original Extremis piece at home or for your project? You can recognize it by the distinctive Extremis logo, the hallmark that's 'branded' into the wood, engraved into steel or by the name tag.
Extremis creations are not only distinctive in appearance but also designed down to the smallest detail. The absence of these more intricate details often reveals a copy, such as the folding radius in the legs and the slanted tabletop edge of our Hopper. These unique aspects embody our commitment to always strive for the very best.
Any questions about our ‘License to Copy’?
