This month saw DMH Stallard host the ACID (Anti Copying in Design) IP Strategy Lunch, where ACID members were invited to engage with a panel of leading IP experts. The event focussed on a number of aspects concerning the protection of IP, including: dealing with infringement over the internet and abroad, protection of information against ex employees, as well as the necessary steps required to implement an effective IP strategy.
The panel comprised of ACID Chief Executive, Dids MacDonald, and DMH Stallard partners, Tim Ashdown and Nick Kounoupias, who have a wealth of experience in IP litigation. The discussions focused on the importance of IP for businesses and how it should be understood like any other business property: it is valuable, it is important to a business and it must be protected. The panel stressed that by understanding the value of IP at an early stage, strategic decisions can then be made on the best course of action to protect it: does it require registration? Are legal proceedings necessary when it is infringed? What investment is needed in the future in order to maintain it? By addressing questions such as these, and adopting a proactive approach at all times, businesses of all sizes will be able to capitalise effectively on their IP assets.
A focus was also placed on the importance of the promotion of IP in the design industry and the more effective ways of protecting it in the recently reformed Patents County Court. Going forward, it was recognised that there is a need for the design industry to speak with one voice, so that they are able to build on the momentum of the Hargreaves Report. This work must be continued to ensure that design rights holders' rights are recognised in the same way as other UK IP. This challenge will be made easier with recent reforms to the Patents County Court, which provides for speedier and more cost effective means for seeking remedies for infringement, and these were considered at length during the lunch.
ACID members were also given the opportunity to discuss their own experiences, and some of the challenges they have faced when trying to enforce their IP rights. These included problems with infringing designs being sold over the internet and the rights of recourse available through ISPs. Discussion also looked at the role of Chinese manufacturers and the challenges and opportunities that they pose in the market. The panel were able to give their views on these issues, and others, with ACID members given the opportunity to book one-on-one sessions with DMH Stallard's legal team, to discuss their legal concerns at greater length.
About ACID
ACID (Anti Copying In Design) is a membership trade organisation, set up as a round table action group in 1996, by designers for designers. ACID is committed to raising awareness & encouraging respect for IP within individual & corporate responsibility. By helping its members to understand and protect their rights, ACID is intent on stamping out intellectual property rights abuse.
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