British IP Day is returning for its second year on Wednesday 5th July 2017, which will celebrate the contribution that Intellectual Property (IP) makes to the British economy and this is a great time to engage with your MP at a high profile event to make your voice heard.

Last year ACID received the first ever IP Champion Award!

Intellectual Property is not just fundamental to the success of creative businesses but also to the wider economy, including the retail and supply chain. In light of the Great Repeal Act and the Industrial Strategy, it is vital that IP is a priority for Government and that these key contributions continue to be recognised. The UK design industry continues to go from strength to strength – in 2013, the design economy generated £71.7 billion in GVA, equivalent to 7.2% of total GVA – which just highlights the invaluable ‘soft power’ attraction of the UK. This success is only possible by maintaining strong IP protections.

On British IP Day, ACID, as part of the Alliance for Intellectual Property will be putting IP at the centre of the political agenda, with an opportunity for creative businesses and creators to meet their MPs in the House of Commons. ACID members are encouraged to take part and explain the importance of IP to the success of their businesses, and to the local and national economy more widely. So why not contact us now at [email protected] and we will do the rest. Just let us know who your MP is and that you are available to meet him or her on 5th July between 10.00 and 12.00.

Meetings will be held in Portcullis House, with representatives of the Alliance team being present and other Alliance members. Depending on your MPs availability on the day, the length of the meetings are likely to vary in light of other Parliamentary commitments, however we will endeavour to have meetings lasting between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

And a bonus! For those who do get involved with British IP Day, you will be invited to the annual Alliance for IP Summer Reception on the House of Commons Terrace on Tuesday 11th July which is a truly great occasion where you can go out onto the famous terrace and enjoy wine and canapés.