Flow International and K2 Sports have resolved their binding patent dispute. The center of the conflict revolved around Flows hiback bindings that allow a rider to slide a boot into a cloth strap, then flip up the back and carve down the mountain.
Recently, K2 Snowboards introduced its Cinch binding technology, which provides a similar experience, though with several tweaks that differentiate it from the Flow technology. Under the terms of the agreement, each binding brand will continue to be offered to the snowboard market.
The arrangement between the two companies was said to “validate and secure” both K2 Sports patented Cinch binding technology and Flows patented binding technologies for the remainder of the terms.
“Respect for each others intellectual properties is core to the agreement,” stated Flow International division manager, Anthony Scaturro, “and allows the two brands to compete in the market rather than in court. We can now get back to the business of building quality products to fuel the rapidly growing category.”
