The creative industries have grown twice as fast as the rest of the economy in recent years and account for 7% of GDP; an integral measure of economic activity in the UK. According to the Design Council, design intensive companies outperformed the FTSE 100 by 200% over a ten-year period – there is every indication that this growth will continue. Every single aspect of the creative economy is underpinned by intellectual property, intellectual capital, know how and ideas – it is the lifeblood running through the veins of the future prosperity of a Creative Britain. In order to make it easier for creative people to build on their success it will be equally important to raise awareness about the protection, exploitation and commercialisation of IP. If we are entering what is said to be the most challenging economic period this century has experienced there will be many who will seek the fast track to market through IP theft.
ACID Lobby core objectives (more..)
Introduction of a new law of unlawful imitation (more..) - the case for.. 1) 2) Addressing the disparity between copyright owners and design right owners (more..)
Supporting a move to see “groundless threats” removed
Government promotion of mediation as a real alternative to IP litigation – A National Mediation Scheme
Educate to Protect - National IP education for SME’s. ACID has submitted a bid to the DCMS in response to Commitment 17 of the Creative Economy Programme (CEP) ”We will promote better under standing of the value and importance of Intellectual Property”
Raising awareness regarding IP Crime at grass roots and at strategic levels.
ACID is proud to be an associate member of the Alliance Against IP Theft Providing a single voice for those who share an interest in preventing intellectual property theft in the UK. ACID is also a member of IPAN (Intellectual Property Awareness Network) the Innovations Support Network and the Parliamentary Group for Design and Innovation ACID is part of the UK IPO CREATE group (more..)
Recognition of “design right” in IPRs and included in UK IP Crime strategy!
Declared Corporate Responsibility to IP
Increase in exemplary damages (more..)
ACID welcomes all support for its initiatives to raise intellectual property awareness in the UK and improve legislation to allow designers to fully exploit and capitalise their creative talent.
Good design, recognised as a market differentiator, doesn’t happen by chance. It takes years to create a brand with a pedigree of creative excellence not only to lead on visual elements but on essential ingredients/components such as quality engineering, high specification raw materials, health, safety and environmental compliance and skilled craftsmanship. Talent alone will not be the route to design success, a huge investment is necessary to develop top quality designs and products to obtain and maintain a place as a market leader and innovator. Design leaders need and demand to maintain their market position without being threatened by look alikes and copies.
Copyright the Future consultation – ACID’s submission
Nick Kounoupias from ACID Accredited law firm DMHStallard has been appointed as Chief legal counsel advising ACID on lobbying issues including the latest copyright consultation.