DCI Peter Ratcliffe, Head of PIPCU:

“PIPCU is delighted that ACID is working in partnership with the UK Government regarding their new Copyright and Design Databank. The ACID Databank is an excellent initiative which will help prevent IP crime and assist designers in protecting their work. We would like to add our full support to the initiative and we will continue to work closely with ACID in the fight against IP crime.”

In response to feedback from our Members’ survey and overwhelmingly supported by our new ACID Council, copyright works, such as novels, artwork, plans, photography, CAD drawings, business documents, agreements and responses to tenders can now be uploaded to the new Copyright & Design Databank.

Providing third party evidence to support unregistered design rights through the ACID Databank has proved to be an essential part of ACID Members’ IP strategies.  From the original hard copy receipt of designs in the early 2000’s through disks, memory sticks and emails, ACID now has an amazing online upload system, accessible through the ACID website, which records and locks every file received with a unique identifying number.

Providing third party evidence to support unregistered design rights through the ACID Databank has proved to be an essential part of ACID Members’ IP strategies.  From the original hard copy receipt of designs in the early 2000’s through disks, memory sticks and emails, ACID now has an amazing online upload system, accessible through the ACID website, which records and locks every file received with a unique identifying number.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister for Intellectual Property stated:

“Design’s contribution to the UK economy cannot be underestimated and I welcome ACID’s latest innovative IP initiative.  Giving designers access to a design databank, which now includes copyright works, supports economic growth. Certificates bearing the ACID Brand will add a strong deterrent message to would-be infringers.”

As with Registered designs, the onus is still on the user to include as much information in their uploaded files as possible. ACID can provide dated evidence from the date of receipt by the Databank system, but we recommend that designers continue to keep proof of their work’s creation prior to that date.  Creators should continue to sign and date their original work and have a structured IP strategy, ensuring that the ACID Copyright & Design Databank is the cornerstone of an IP policy.