Gift Focus - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 113)

If I want to use my own image on the internet that I have created myself, are there any watchpoints? Generally, you will own the copyright, so you are free to use them as you wish. However, you should be aware that if you created them in employment, you would need to ask your employer’s permission. Or, for example, if you take a photo of, say, an artwork in a gallery image or an ad on the tube, this could be an infringement of copyright. What happens if I infringe a copyright work? Many creators are becoming IP savvy, and as a result, we are seeing an increasing number of successful settlements, which is good news for IP owners. However, for those who use copyright or design without permission and legal action is taken against you, you may have to go to court, and this is expensive. If the challenge is successful, you may have to pay substantial costs. The worst-case scenario is that deliberate infringement of a copyright on a commercial basis may also lead to a criminal prosecution. If successful, this could lead to a criminal record and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Intellectual property should be seen as a positive force, supporting your innovation and creation of new IP through creative talent. The law is there to protect and enforce, so knowing and understanding some of the basic rules is a great way to ensure you don’t infringe the rights of others. ACID supports all IP creators with an IP Databank. Put simply, if you want to take legal action against someone who is using your copyright or unregistered design right without permission, you need evidence. Lodging your work on the IP Databank doesn’t add to your existing rights (created automatically) but does give you a tamper-proof certificate that your files and documents have been received by an independent third party such as ACID. Creating an audit trail behind your work to prove you own your IP is essential. It is not rocket science! Often, assertion of a proactive IP strategy can be reinforced by a few simple words on your website such as “All intellectual property rights in our images, artworks and design belong to (insert your name). Any infringement will be treated seriously.” Prevention and deterrence play a key role in communicating an anti-copying message. For more information, visit acid.uk.com “The majority of images on the in the internet are most likely pr otected by copyright. So ascertain f irst whether the copyright term has expired, usual ly 70 years plus the life of the creator. If it has, you are free to use them. Otherwise, obtain permission thr ough a licence or a Creative C ommons Licence.” THIS IS A REGISTERED PRODUCT DESIGN BY YUYU DESIGNS LTD. DM/078197 | 16614/2012 | 416305. MADE IN CHINA A LONG HOT & COLD WATER BOTTLE THE BODYBOTTLE THE BODY BOTTLE, BY YUYU DESIGNS LTD. Argos and Tesco are working with original long hot water bottle manufacturer YuYu Designs Ltd., to carry their new range of “fun and afford- able” long hot water bottles with the intention to capture the mass market with this hugely popular take on the old square shaped hot water bottle. The new aptly named Body Bottle range is made with the same enthusiasm, passion and ethos as their higher end YuYu Bottle, still focusing on being earth friendly and only using high quali- ty biodegradable rubber hot water bottles and never harmful PVC. RRP’s from £20-£25. For stockist inquiries please contact: info@yuyubottle.com