Noted Seattle architectural firm CollinsWoerman, which MHProNews last covered April 22, 2011 as it developed plans for a multifamily modular unit in Seattle, has teamed up with Intellectual Ventures to strengthen its intellectual property regarding component parts of its modular system. The joint venture, called Innovative Building Technologies, LLC (IBT) and based in Seattle, WA, will own the patent portfolio as it aims for markets in China, Japan and Vietnam. According to prnewswire.com, CollinsWoerman and its affiliate, Sustainable Living Innovations, LLC will market the technology in North America. Arlan Collins, Principal of CollinsWoerman, commented: “We believe everyone can live and/or work in buildings that support human health, build community, and are easy on the environment. Buildings assembled from component parts can deliver these extraordinary results – that’s why we developed this technology.” ##

(Photo credit: Charter Construction–modular apartment building in Belltown area of Seattle)