“We’ve moved from protecting products to selling ideas. Patents aren’t just protection, they’re opportunities.” Beijko van Melick, CEO, Kalfire
For Dutch fireplace manufacturer Kalfire, patents are more than protection, they’re strategy.
When gas fireplace sales collapsed and regulations tightened, CEO Beijko van Melick turned intellectual property into the spark that transformed Kalfire from a traditional manufacturer into a global innovation leader.
Founded in 1981, Kalfire built its reputation on premium, design-led fireplaces. But as gas markets declined, the company faced a choice: shrink or innovate. Beijko chose the latter and made patents central to the plan.
Building value through patents
In its early years, Kalfire was inventive but unprotected, pioneering the “room divider” fireplace and a gas fire with ceramic logs that became a global hit, until competitors copied it. “We patented it, but not correctly,” says Beijko. “That mistake was expensive.”
Determined not to repeat history, Kalfire partnered with EP&C Patent Attorneys during development of one of its most ambitious ideas: the E-one, a holographic fireplace needing no gas or flue.
Patents powering innovation
Developed with Spark Innovations and scientists from Shell and Philips, the E-one was patented before a prototype even existed. “If it couldn’t be patented, I wouldn’t have invested,” Beijko explains. With EP&C’s guidance, Kalfire built a robust patent portfolio, turning technology into tangible business value.
Turning IP into opportunity
Strong patents opened new doors. Kalfire now licenses its technology globally, reaching markets like the US, China, and Australia through partners. Licensing represents 20% of turnover, and pure margin.
From defence to growth strategy
What began as legal protection is now Kalfire’s growth engine. Supported by EP&C’s ongoing IP strategy and company-wide innovation culture, Kalfire has turned disruption into opportunity—and its patents into lasting competitive advantage.
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