46 From exhibitions to online marketplaces, the risks to designers, designer makers and craftsmen has always been omnipresent and, sadly, the giftware industry is all too aware of these challenges. However, over the past couple of years, the exponential and unapologetic growth of AI has brought a whole new sphere of concern to our creative community. And it’s showing no signs of relenting. That’s why, in the past 18 months, ACID has continued its relentless campaigning and lobbying government on behalf of designers everywhere, along with spreading the word of IP and discernment in the context of AI use. In February 2025, ACID joined over 11,000 others in submitting its response to the AI & Copyright Consultation, calling for recompense and attribution for creators. As part of the Make It Fair campaign and continued lobby on AI, ACID is fully installed at the forefront of discussions on generative AI and copyright, particularly in relation to large language models and Big Tech using copyright content without consent. We fully support the use of AI in ideation, transformation, and prototyping but firmly oppose data training without transparency, attribution, or recompense. Read ACID’s response: https://www.acid.uk.com/ acid-joins-thousands-in-responding-to-the-ai-and-copyrightconsultation/ A CRUCIAL STEP Following over 10 years’ campaigning by ACID, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) finally released its Design Consultation in September 2025. This crucial step has the potential to simplify design law, cut the prohibitive costs for SMEs pursuing legal action, and reduce delays in challenging copyists. ACID has The gift of IP Why now more than ever the giftware industry needs to protect their designs in the age of AI, says Laura Newbold Breen, ACID CEO
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