It will take just THREE MINUTES to complete our <a”>questionnaire and you will automatically be entered for a £100 gift voucher draw.

Whilst many members sent in case study evidence about what the consequence of losing EU unregistered design rights would be to their company, the Intellectual Property Office say this is not enough and they need further evidence to make an economic case for an Impact Assessment. They have agreed to work closely with us on this but have made it crystal clear that the evidence we have provided is not enough.

Why is this so important?

The majority of ACID members rely on unregistered design rights – UK ‘Design right’ automatically protects your design for 10 years after it was first sold or 15 years after it was created – whichever is earliest. You can use it to stop someone copying your design. Design right only applies to the shape and configuration of objects.

More importantly, you are also protected by EU unregistered design. Whilst it only lasts for 3 years you, crucially, have protection in 28 member states and it covers not only shape and configuration but surface decoration so a much broader scope.

Post Brexit EU design protection will, potentially, be lost.

ACID IS PRESSING GOVERNMENT TO CREATE A NEW UNREGISTERED RIGHT WHICH MIRRORS EU PROTECTION AND LASTS FOR 15 YEARS. IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLEASE SPEND THREE MINUTES COMPLETING THIS <a”>QUESTIONNAIRE.

MANY THANKS

Please also register for a panel discussion on 22 September at 100% Design 1430-1530 when the IPO Director of Trade Marks & Designs, Steve Rowan will be there to answer questions together with Lee Broom MD Charles Rudgard and ACID Chief Legal Counsel Nick Kounoupias.