62 With the Christmas season in full swing, the giftware industry comes alive. From bustling craft fairs to glittering Christmas markets and seasonal bazaars, designers and makers across the UK are preparing to showcase their creativity to eager shoppers. But alongside the opportunity lies a challenge. Not only is there the increased risk of design theft and copying, there is also the insidious and unwelcome inclusion of dangerous, counterfeit fakes. At Anti Copying In Design (ACID), we’ve seen time and time again how vulnerable giftware designers can be during this busy period. Protecting intellectual property (IP) isn’t just about safeguarding ideas, it’s about protecting the value of your business and ensuring your designs remain exclusively yours. Here’s our guidance to help giftware makers stay protected this festive season. Why Christmas is a high-risk time for giftware designers Christmas markets and craft fairs offer huge exposure, but that visibility can also attract opportunists. The risk is particularly high because designs are displayed in busy, public environments where it’s easy for others to view, photograph, or attempt to replicate them. For giftware makers – whether creating home décor, ceramics, jewellery, or seasonal items – the qualities that make their work appealing also mean it catches attention. While most shoppers are genuine admirers, a small minority may see opportunity in copying. The good news? With the right steps in place, you can deter potential infringements and show that you are an IP-aware designer who values and protects their creativity. Practical steps to protect your giftware designs 1. Document and record your work - Keep dated evidence of all your designs, from sketches and prototypes to photographs of finished products. ACID members use the IP Databank for that all-important audit trail of the design journey and evidence of unregistered rights. 2. Brand and label clearly - Every piece of packaging, every label, and your stall signage should carry your business name and an IP notice. For example: “Original design – © [Your Name/ Brand], [Year].” This simple step signals professionalism and warns off would-be copycats. 3. Use Terms & Conditions - If you’re supplying wholesale or accepting commissions at Christmas markets, written Terms & Conditions are essential. They help prevent misunderstandings and clearly state what can and cannot be done with your work. Using licence agreements can give you more legal security. 4. Control what you show - It’s tempting to display everything you’ve been working on, but if some designs aren’t yet protected or registered, consider holding them back. Showcase what’s ready for the market – protect first, then display. 5. Prevent unauthorised photography - It’s not uncommon for people to photograph stalls with the intention of copying designs later. A polite “No Photography Please” sign helps discourage this, while also reinforcing that your work is original and protected. For example, ACID members download and display an ACID no photography sign to deter camera phone copycats. 6. Educate while you sell - Adding a discreet sign such as “All designs are original and protected by intellectual property rights” not only reassures customers but also deters competitors. It positions you as a designer who understands and enforces their rights. 7. Register for stronger protection - While all original designs have automatic unregistered protection in the UK, Registered Design Rights offer stronger, longer-lasting protection. For higher-value giftware products, registration can provide a powerful tool against infringement. What to do if you spot a copycat - Unfortunately, even with precautions, you may encounter stalls selling suspiciously similar products. If this happens, resist the urge for confrontation. Instead, collect evidence: photographs, stall details and product descriptions. If possible, purchase an offending item you can use later as evidence. Then seek advice from ACID or a legal expert on the next steps. Speak to the organisers of the event to seek support. Being calm, professional and evidence-driven is the most effective approach. Your creativity is your currency - For giftware designers, Christmas is the busiest – and most profitable – time of the year. By taking proactive steps to protect your intellectual property, you can sell with confidence, build stronger customer trust and ensure your creativity continues to thrive long after the festive season ends. And our message to Christmas buyers - to avoid purchasing unsafe counterfeit goods this Christmas, buy from trusted, reputable and original UK designers. Verify official safety markings like UKCA or CE marks on items such as toys and electricals. Be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true and check for proper packaging. Support British designers by avoiding cheap fakes. At ACID, our message is simple: your creativity is your currency. Protect it. For more advice on safeguarding your designs, visit www.acid.uk.com. If you sign up to our newsletter, you will get up to date information and invites on events and education such as ACID’s free webinars which cover many aspects of IP and brand protection. Protect Your Designs Smart tips for Christmas craft fairs from Anti Copying In Design (ACID)
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