In our latest Member Focus we want to share a fascinating insight into ACID member, Christian Cowper and Claudia Surrage of Phat Design. All the inside stories of our amazingly diverse membership all have one common theme – protecting their intellectual property to achieve growth and putting IP at the heart of their business strategy. Phat Design is no exception!  

When and why did you first start creating your products/designs?

Our first two collections of work, Bench Gang and Bowl Gang, stemmed from the same project; Play. This was a project with the primary goal of overcoming personal mental-health challenges. So, ironically, creating fun and lighthearted design was born out of intense depression.

Did you have any knowledge of intellectual property when you started your business?

We did have a knowledge of IP, but only a little; gained out of curiosity, and the uncomfortable feeling of somebody else claiming your work as their own.

Which ACID Membership services have you used and how have you benefited from being a Member?

We have predominantly use the IP Databank and ACID Legal Affiliates. Having legal support from legal professionals is important. It could be only a minor detail in a contract or terms and conditions that could create a much more complicated problem in the future – guidance and support in this area is very useful.

Have you brought anything new to the market recently that you would like to share?

We have recently made some furniture pieces available for enquiry (made to order), as well as our ceramics now being available to purchase through our website shop

What is the best aspect of ACID Membership for your business?

Support and guidance for the areas of the design business that aren’t personal strengths.

What advice would you offer to a new designer?

Just because you are a ‘new designer’ that is not an excuse for more established designers or companies to manipulate, talk you down, or take advantage of you. Mental toughness is important; things will inevitably go wrong along the way; things might not be as successful as you hoped; but then again, something else might be way more successful than you thought. Be ambitious and work to get there!

ACID values the support of its members to enable it to campaign for design law reform. Do you have any messages for Government/Policy Makers on IP issues?

Increased accessibility in terms of education/information. I want to feel confident I have done all I can do to protect my work before something bad happens.

Click here to read more about Phat Design or check out their recent video here.