Dutch company Rollz International develops rollators and wheelchairs that are not only functional, but also attractive, smart, and future-oriented. Their products are designed around the idea that a mobility aid should activate, encourage, and motivate people to remain mobile and independent in everyday life. That vision requires not only technical innovation, but also thoughtful protection of intellectual property. Rollz and V.O. have been working closely together on this for many years.

Rollz was founded based on a simple observation. CEO and founder Martijn Schaaper, a movement technologist, worked extensively in healthcare environments in the early 2000s. “I saw a rollator standing next to a wheelchair,” he explains. “I thought: why are these two separate products? Why can’t one mobility aid evolve together with someone’s mobility needs?” That idea became the foundation for the Rollz Motion: a rollator that can be converted into a wheelchair. This innovation has received multiple awards, including a Red Dot Design Award, an international recognition for product design and quality.

At Rollz, innovation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. The company works with a stable, well-coordinated team. Schaaper explains: “Innovation is not a stroke of genius; it is a layering of technology. You continuously build on what you have developed before — and that is exactly why you also need to protect those layers properly.”

This way of working has resulted in a broad product portfolio: from the rollator-wheelchair combination and an “undercover” rollator disguised as a shopping trolley to specialized solutions. The latest developments focus on smart and electric applications. “We are currently working on a smart rollator that recognizes movement patterns and helps people with Parkinson’s disease move forward with a signal or vibration when they are at risk of freezing.”

Martijn Schaaper, CEO Rollz International

With every new innovation, the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) grows. According to Schaaper, protection is not a goal in itself, but a means to continue innovating. “Our patents and the protection of designs and trademarks must reinforce one another. A strong patent creates a time advantage. Time to launch your product, build your brand and market position — while already working on the next step. You know there will always be copycats. A patent forces them to work around us, which means they have to compromise on functionality.”

This protection is important not only in relation to competitors, but also for the company’s continued growth. Strong patents and a clear IP position are crucial for maintaining investor confidence. Schaaper says: “It shows that we have seriously considered our technology, our future, and therefore the value of our company.”

Rollz has been working with V.O. for more than ten years. The collaboration often begins at an early stage of product development. “I am a ‘product person.’ I think in terms of functions and solutions. V.O. helps me break that down technically and protect it strategically. They think ahead and take work off our hands. That gives us confidence,” says Schaaper.

Today, V.O. manages a portfolio of dozens of granted patents for the company. Annemie Jaeken, patent attorney at V.O., explains: “When ideas become more concrete, we determine the patent filing strategy.” Rollz is selective in this process. Jaeken adds: “Martijn carefully weighs whether a patent will provide commercial value. That is why we usually choose countries with sufficient market size. The strategy differs per product: some products are particularly suitable or successful in Asia, so we also protect them there with patents.”

For Rollz, V.O. is more than just a patent firm. Particularly Annelies de Bosch Kemper, Head of Legal, also supports the company with legal documents and agreements, for example with distributors and other partners. Schaaper also appreciates that V.O. uses its network whenever additional expertise is required. “Because of that, V.O. feels like a complete organization and a strategic partner that understands where we want to go and grows alongside us,” says Schaaper. Jaeken adds: “By now, we understand each other with very few words. That is the advantage of a long-term relationship.”

Rollz aims to continue growing while also continuing to innovate. New developments focus on smart and electric mobility solutions, reducing the weight of the rollator/wheelchair, and digital support for specific target groups and medical conditions. “The rollator of the future is not a passive aid, but a walking buddy that motivates and supports people,” says Schaaper.

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