Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

76 To find out more, visit www.acid.uk.com IP Databank. This does not add to your unregistered design rights (UDR) but provides reliable 3rd party independent evidence of designs on the date of receipt by ACID i.e., an audit trail. Design files are held on our secure system and remain unseen by anyone unless required as evidence to substantiate design ownership. TAKING LEGAL ACTION? Often, those who are copied cannot afford to take legal action especially if it is by a much larger company. However, it is important to remember that taking legal action does not mean going all the way to a final court hearing. Often, a very carefully drafted letter before action can do the trick including the all- important design registration or audit trail to prove that you designed your work. GOING VIRAL? Increasingly, we are seeing designers sticking together and publicising what they consider to be copies and gathering support from their peer groups. We used a couple of case studies to demonstrate this. Take Tatty Divine & Clare’s Accessories and one recently in the furniture sector between Swoon and Simone Brewster. However, the most important thing to remember is not to make groundless threats, otherwise you yourselves could be sued. Also be very careful of libellous comments. ACID is on hand to advise if you need help. MYTHS & HOWLERS Over the years we have heard so many wrong assumptions about IP. For example, if you change a design by a % or several changes it becomes a new design – find out more by looking at the webinar where Gavin explains all. DO YOU HAVE AN IP PLAN IN PLACE? Finally, we looked at what makes a proactive IP strategy and so much of it is just plain common sense. For example, think about your techniques, your technical skill and “know-how”. This is hard fought added value for your business and differentiates you from your competitors. Trade secrets should be guarded fiercely. And finally, if you want to find out how famous jewellery design team Kit Heath protect their new designs and ranges, take a peek at our latest ACID member focus at www.acid.uk.com/member- profile -kit-heath/