Summary:
A French company specialised in designing and marketing products for outdoor activities has developed an innovative and practical semi-rigid hood conceived to protect from weather conditions (sun, rain, wind, snow).
The company wishes to sell its product in Europe and beyond and is seeking partners for distribution agreements.
Description:
Founded in 2018, the French company is a start-up dedicated to the design and manufacturing of original products for all sorts of outdoor activities. They have conceived an innovative headwear product that is comfortable while protecting from weather conditions such as sunlight, wind, rain and snow.
It is a semi-rigid hood ideal for outdoor sports like hiking, trekking as well as for more static activities like sightseeing, bird watching, nature photography, fishing, attending outdoor shows etc.
The product is also suitable for people with professional activities that take place outdoors, e.g. tourist guides, park wardens, sports races marshals, surveillance agents and others.
Hoods stick to the face, caps and hats fly off when it is windy or induce perspiration when it is hot, umbrellas are bulky and do not allow hands-free movement.
The company’s headwear product (see attached pictures) has an internal rigid wire frame designed to withstand strong winds up to 50 mph. It is waterproof, with a sun protection fabric and an inner silver lining that shields from heat. It can be attached to the straps of any kind of backpack or be used on its own thanks to a special harness. It is larger than an ordinary hood and remains well ventilated as it is not in contact with the head. It also allows unhindered use of both hands. As a result, it combines, comfort, practicality and protection from weather conditions.
The company has a very good sales record in France, where the product is patent protected, and is now looking to expand into foreign markets . People practice outdoors sports and leisure activities all around the world so the company is convinced of the marketing potential and would like to find the right distribution partners to sell their product abroad. They have filed for patent protection in Europe, USA and China.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
The ideal partner is expected to have sound knowledge of the outdoor activities market including the right network and connections to guarantee successful sales. They will have the option to purchase and distribute the headwear separately or in packs comprising some or all of the accessories. They will have to ensure the promotion of the product locally and handle stock and shipping management. As distribution in France has shown, they will benefit from a very good sales margin.
IPR Status:
Patent(s) applied for but not yet granted
Comments Regarding IPR Status:
Patented in France
Patent protection procedure for Europe, USA and China currently under way
External code:
BOFR20210729001
