Smart Hoist now Patent Protected in Europe
Patents can be tricky – but they’re essential for protecting the products we develop!
Curious? Here’s a quick overview of how it works.
Smart Hoist was developed by us to meet the demand for a compact and user-friendly lifting solution in tight spaces. It’s a trolley with an integrated aluminium hoist block, weighing just 10.1 kg and with a headroom of only 150 mm. You can read more about it here:
After applying and waiting over a year, our Swedish patent was granted in May 2022. We then submitted an application for a European patent, which was approved by the European Patent Office (EPO) in March 2025. At the same time, we registered a Unitary Patent, which means the patent is now valid in 18 EU countries through a single registration.
What’s the difference between a European Patent and a Unitary Patent?
- A European patent is granted centrally by the EPO, but must then be validated separately in each country where protection is desired. The patent for Smart Hoist is now validated in 27 European countries.
- A Unitary Patent is automatically valid in the 17 EU countries that have joined the new unitary patent system, which came into force in 2023. It simplifies both administration and legal processes, and typically requires only one language upon submission – unlike the traditional EPO route.
In short – Smart Hoist is now patent protected across Europe, which is both a mark of quality for us and a reassurance for you as a customer.
