USING THE IP DATABANK

During these uncharted times, the ACID team have been amazed at the number of uploads to our Intellectual Property (IP) Databank!

“It’s never been busier”, said Jane Banyai, ACID’s Operations Director. “We’re encouraged if designers are, with a little more time, designing prolifically and creatively  and heartened by those doing their IP “housekeeping” and getting through those little, but essential, jobs that somehow go to the bottom of the “to do” list – like ensuring IP protection by uploading designs to the IP Databank.”

For example, in a recent ACID Member Profile, hand-made shoe designer Rachel Simpson said, “Joining up to ACID had been ‘on the list’ for ages but it was only when we experienced copyright infringement close to home in 2017 that we finally got around to it. Now we’re careful to upload all new designs to the IP databank before they’re released so we’ve got a reliable source of proof should we discover any future infringements. It’s also good for our customers – both wholesale and retail – to know we’re a member, as a sign of how important design and integrity are to us as a brand.”

So, if you do find the time to do a little IP housekeeping, here’s a link to show how easy uploading designs to the IP Databank really is.

How to Upload to the IP Databank

USING THE ACID LOGO – Sending a clear message out about the value of your IP is made even stronger by using the ACID logo (licensed to members) to send a strong anti-copying message.

Dominic of Scabetti talks positively about the ACID brand as follows, “From the very start, I’ve made sure the ACID logo and wording were present on my website, promotional literature and on exhibition stands in the UK or overseas.  I’ve uploaded new designs onto the IP Databank and when we’ve had any IP ‘issues’ we’ve called for advice.”

And Lisa Olson of Tiger Lily Makes says, “I have used the ACID logo as an anti-copying deterrent on my website, in my marketing, at events and on my products and the IP Databank for uploading my designs.”

Using the logo on your website and marketing material together with a simple IP statement says it all, “All intellectual property rights in our designs are and will remain the property of (insert your name). Any infringements will be pursued vigorously.”

Even better, hyperlink it to the ACID website www.acid.uk.com – a 24-hour message to say you are part of the ACID community, demanding compliance, respect and ethics from all, about your design originality, and the need to preserve it.

Access tips on using the ACID logo to benefit your business by following the link or view more in the Member Area on how to use the logo by logging on to the website.

On a final positive note, in various discussions with our members over the last two weeks many of the small, specialist online designers have seen an upsurge in business orders which is good news in such dark times.

On behalf of the ACID team all good wishes to stay safe and well and keep on designing!