Since its inception, Fimaet has focused on making ergonomically good bags for children. Unlike most competitors in the industry, they have bags as their main product.
They design and develop all products in Norway, while production takes place in China. 60% of the turnover is export, and they sell to over 20 countries.
In the summer of 2021, they were acquired by a listed Chinese company that operates within stationery and accessories. Rettar was important in connection with due diligence and acquisitions. The background for the acquisition is a desire to grow in China.
– When the company was sold, it was absolutely crucial that we had control over the intangible assets.
Ole Falk Hansen
Ole Falk Hansen
They have registered the name and logo as a trademark, and design register new products. Products that were developed earlier are not design registered, something they regret today. That would make it easier to defend against copying. They are applying for a patent for the unique functions of the bags, even though most of the bags are produced with known technology. In China, they protect specific colors and patterns with copyright.
They use two proxy agencies in Norway that help them with applications and follow-up of rights, and an own agency in China.
They have experienced some clear cases of counterfeiting in China. In addition, they have had a number of cases involving imitations of designs in western countries. They always contact suppliers that they believe are imitating, and ask them to remove the product from the market. They have won an imitation case in Næringslivets konkurranseutvalg, a council dealing with unfair marketing practices. In other cases, they have used the Marketing Act to stop counterfeit products.
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