Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

75 ACID Intellectual property Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design (ACID), talks IP issues and how to gain confidence in the area Sector by sector ACID is identifying intellectual property (IP) issues and how to ensure that those within the sector feel more confident about their IP with a series of webinars, whether you are new to intellectual property or just want a refresher. Whilst we initially focused on those in the jewellery sector, silversmiths and goldsmiths, similar principles apply to those, generally, within giftware. The work of a jewellery designer, or any designer maker, begins in the mind. A new idea, a spark, unrestrained by convention, history, or protocol. The creative talent, skills and training you have distinguishes you from other makers and their designs and creations. Unfortunately, there are those that want to take the fast track to market by free riding on your ideas and creativity to copy or “adapt” them. Learning a little more about how to protect your designs will go a long way! I was joined by Gavin Llewellyn aka “the Design Lawyer” and an IP specialist at ACID legal affiliates Stone King, who shared his insights and practical tips with the group, and it was a fascinating session. In a fast moving 30 minutes we talked about what IP actually is, why it is important and how designs can be protected, as well as briefly touching on the problems of offline and online theft and actions to take if copies are found. We rounded off with a whistle stop tour through some of the myths and howlers about IP. If you would like to see the webinar, do contact us for details. If you would like to view the presentation you will find it www.acid.uk.com/ip-protection-webinar-for-jewellery-designers/. We used ACID member Deakin & Francis as an example of a company who really look after their IP to demonstrate the different rights which they own. PROTECT IT OR FORGET IT! For designer makers, it is especially important to record the different stages of development of a design or prototype. So, a simple drawing of each stage or a photograph is probably easier and it is important that you sign, if possible, and date. Then you have an audit trail behind each design. Or, you may wish to register at the Intellectual Property Office, and this gives you strong protection for up to 25 years and you have a numbered certificate which says you own the design. www.ipo.gov.uk WHAT IS PROTECTED? We used Hannah Lamb’s simply exquisite rings to demonstrate what is covered by registered design and unregistered Community design, which only lasts for three years. REGISTER YOUR IP RIGHTS, IF POSSIBLE. Alternatively, you can send copies of your designs to the ACID