Did you hear Dids Macdonald OBE on Radio 2 today?
Hot on the heels of the BBC Midlands coverage on Monday 8th May, in which Dids joined Lauren Aston of Lauren Aston Designs, Dids again joined Lauren on Jeremy Vine’s BBC Radio 2 programme on 9th June at 12:30pm to discuss copycats and IP rights. Catch up here on BBC sounds, select Jeremy Vine’s radio show and scroll to 12:35 to hear Lauren’s story and Dids’ call to action.
Lauren talked of the hours of her time to send out cease and desist letters and how she now doesn’t even bother, likening to “trying to catch water in her hands”, with AI now hastening the instances and impact of copying.
Lauren Aston Designs has been running for 12 years, during which time photos were being stolen of her (and her dog!) and used on TEMU, Amazon and others. Manufacturers are seemingly copying designs and lifting images from businesses’ websites; there is nothing in place to help and small businesses don’t have the funds!
Not On the High Street (NOTHS ) estimate1 in 5 businesses suffer design theft; ACID argue it is more!
Speaking to Jeremey Vine, Dids called the copycat market theft on an international scale but urged all of the importance to support ACID’s work to attack at a macro level with government. ACID’s submission to the recent design consultation called on government to recognise this theft and introduce criminal provisions to provide proper deterrents.
Dids described design infringement as affecting all creative industries, not just clothes, such as toys and surface decoration; and all design input and elements that permeate through creative industries. Agreeing with Lauren, Dids stated that lone and micro businesses feel alone and isolated with the stress and frustration of taking legal action. Design takes special, talent, skill and commitment and it’s something we must embrace and protect.
Though international control is difficult, to protect UK designers we must cut off the oxygen supply for these infringements entering the UK. A vital part of this is to shout very loudly and demonstrate respect, ethics and compliance; ACID’s IP charter does just this, creating a safe and supportive community. It’s free to sign and you become part of a growing community. A united voice is a stronger voice!
Have you been affected by copycats or worried about protecting your designs? Get in touch with ACID for an informal chat [email protected]. We’re here to help.
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