To celebrate the 2025 British IP Day, Anti Copying in Design (ACID), the UK’s leading organisation committed to safeguarding intellectual property (IP) rights in the design sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Stephens CBE, Consultant with Howard Kennedy LLP, as an ACID Ambassador.

Mark brings 44 years of expertise as an IP lawyer to the role, not only as one of the UK’s leading IP lawyers but with a deep commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by designers in protecting their creative work. As a co-founder and former legal director of Artlaw, Mark has been a passionate advocate for creators’ rights. Mark sat on the British Copyright Council for 21 years and has founded 3 copyright collection societies to ensure fair remuneration for creatives and enforcement of their rights.

As a Senior lawyer at Howard Kennedy, a proud ACID Legal Affiliate renowned for its dedication to the creative industries, Mark has consistently championed the rights of designers and creators, ensuring their innovations are safeguarded from copying and misuse.

Dids Macdonald OBE, Chair & Co-founder said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mark as an ACID Ambassador. His vast legal expertise and passion for supporting the creative industries align perfectly with our mission to provide robust protection and advocacy for designers. Mark’s insights and guidance will be invaluable as we continue our work to create a fairer and more equitable landscape for the design sector”.

Welcoming Mark, Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s Chief Counsel said, “I have worked with Mark for many years and, as an ACID Ambassador, his extensive experience in intellectual property law, media regulation, and human rights cases will be invaluable. His international practice, representing both high-profile individuals and governments, underscores his deep understanding of complex legal landscapes. Additionally, his leadership roles in organisations like the Design Artists Copyright Society DACS demonstrate his commitment to protecting creative rights. These qualities make him a valuable advocate for ACID’s mission to combat design theft”.

Laura Newbold Breen, ACID’s CEO said, “It is fantastic that such a legal brain dedicated to creatives’ rights has joined ACID as an Ambassador; this is an extremely fitting appointment for British IP Day 2025 and I look forward to working with Mark”.

Mark Stephens commented: ““I am honoured to be appointed as an ACID Ambassador. My father is a fine artist and so protecting the rights of designers and creators has always been fundamental to me. I look forward to working with ACID to continue advocating for robust intellectual property protections and ensuring that designers receive the recognition and remuneration they deserve particularly as AI continues to scrape away at their ability to earn an ‘honest buck’”.

ACID has long been at the forefront of advocating for designers’ rights, offering a range of services, including a free IP Design Databank which allows members to record their designs securely and establish a proven ownership trail. With the support of experts like Mark Stephens, ACID continues to empower its members and promote a strong message against copying in design.

For more information about ACID, its initiatives, and how to join, please visit www.acid.uk.com.

About ACID:

Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is a not-for-profit membership organisation committed to raising awareness and providing support for intellectual property protection within the design industry. Founded over two decades ago, ACID offers practical tools, education, and advocacy to designers, helping them safeguard their work against infringement.

About Howard Kennedy

Howard Kennedy is a London based law firm offering straightforward legal advice to their clients. With over 70 partners and almost 500 people, the firm is well placed to assist entrepreneurial businesses and HNW individuals on domestic and international matters, whatever the legal challenges they face. Howard Kennedy also advises major corporates who find the firm’s straightforward approach a compelling alternative to larger, less personal firms.

Visit www.howardkennedy.com.

Media Contact: Dids Macdonald
Chair & Co founder/ Director of Public Affairs, IP Policy and Campaigning
E: [email protected]