The problem of copycats is rife and a “David & Goliath” issue for many creators, especially those who are lone, micro and SME. Seeing your designs “stolen” and brand identity copied through intellectual property (IP) infringement brings untold stress and anxiety. (link to BBC programme) (11mins into the programme).

The programme featured the sickening debacle that renowned knitting designer Lauren Aston is facing with online copying of her stunning designs. Exeter based Lauren creates fun and fabulous knitwear and, in her words, says, “Life is too short for boring jumpers.” Lauren hit the headlines recently when one of her jumpers was worn by Claudia Winkleman presenter of “The Traitors” programme.

Since launching on Not on the High Street (NOTHS) ten years ago, Lauren estimates she has lost tens of thousands of pounds through online copycats. In support of creators using the NOTHS platform to markets their designs and products, CEO Pascal Schusler said that the platform takes intellectual property theft very seriously and has robust support systems in place.

The intellectual Property Office commented, “We also provide detailed guidance to help both small business and the public spot and report infringing and counterfeit goods, as we work alongside our partners to protect legitimate traders and raise consumer awareness of the harms”. 

Dids Macdonald, Anti Copying in Design (ACID) Chair and Co-founder said, “The violating of creators’ rights cost livelihoods and using them without permission is nothing short of theft. The increase of AI is contributing to the issue and is an exponential threat. When Big Tech does not adhere to attribution, transparency, or recompense this is when creator’s work can be data scraped without permission or accountability. This is wrong. I hope that the government is listening when it publishes recommendations for design law reform to make the intentional infringement of an unregistered design a crime”.

Having been a victim of copying herself as a designer, Dids shared some simple and basic tips for designers to protect their creations and for consumers to be on the look-out:

Designers/Creators

• Maintain excellent evidence of creation – at ACID we have an IP Databank
  Keep dated source files, sketches, drafts, and project notes from idea to marketplace.
• Make copying less attractive – Use watermarking on images and publish with lower resolution, embed meta data identifying the creator. ACID’s logo, watermarks, and warning messaging all create a deterrent message to copycats.
• Register your name as a trade mark if possible –these protect your brand and are easier to enforce on marketplaces.
• Monitor selectively – protect your most important assets to make IP cost effective.
• If you don’t want to be copied – shout about it. Sign our ACID IP Charter and join a community that say “NO!” to copying and “YES” to IP respect, ethics, and compliance.

Consumers can play their part and avoid buying copies and counterfeits by:

• Buy directly from the designer from their website or approved stockists.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is! Cheap prices on popular products can be a red flag. Genuine design often reflects the cost of quality materials, skill, craftsmanship, and innovation.
• Look at product packaging. Poor images, spelling mistakes, and vague descriptions can all be clues that it is a copy. Also beware of safety aspects, warning labelling, and testing requirements; dodgy component parts can cause injury.
• Support Original Creativity – Choosing original products helps sustain independent designers, encourages innovation, and protects creative businesses from unfair competition.
• Before clicking “buy,” check the seller, the price and product details.

Has your work ever been copied? Join our ACID Community and sign our ACID IP Charter to pledge your commitment and support of IP ethics, compliance, and respect.