Technically correct, but remember HCTI is in an exclusivity period until 2020 regarding their license to manufacture/sell NTI products (extended twice, I might add).
"It should not be hard to understand that the privately held company can continue operations with other partners and deals that don't include hcti."
To add onto my last post, we actually do have a license for this type of product (I assume you're referring to the synthetic leather patent dholmes linked to)
It's in the annual report!
4) Intangible Assets
E. (License) Added Applications including synthetic leather, sealants and adhesives