Anti Copying In Design (ACID) member Lola Design, renowned for their bright and colourful greetings and giftware featuring animals, bees, and flowers, has been thrust into the spotlight after sharing their heartbreaking experience with online copying. Featured recently on the BBC and in Mail Online, Lola Design estimates they have lost over £100,000 in revenue due to widespread infringements by platforms such as Temu and Shein.

Despite these challenges, Lola Design has turned their frustration into action. With support from ACID, they recently met with their local MP, Rachael Maskell, to highlight the urgent issues UK designers face due to rampant online intellectual property (IP) infringement. This meeting was made possible through ACID’s template letter, which empowers members to raise their concerns directly at local level with their MP, and through them, across Parliament and policymakers.

In addition, Dids Macdonald OBE., Chairman & Co-Founder, Director of Public Affairs/IP Policy & Campaigning, has now met with Rachael Maskell to progress these talks and further campaign for stronger protections for UK designers. This continued advocacy demonstrates ACID’s commitment to supporting its members and driving meaningful change in the fight against copying not only for individual members but for the issues more broadly across this sector.

Dids Macdonald OBE., Chairman & Co-Founder, Director of Public Affairs/IP Policy & Campaigning, says, “I had a very positive meeting at Westminster with Lola Design’s MP, Rachael Maskell about the bigger picture of online infringement. I explained the challenges of take down infringing designs and the financial loss caused by knock off copies not only  with Temu but with other platforms such as Shein. She was shocked at the extent of the problem and promised to investigate further with the online platforms concerned and will request ministerial engagement to amplify the issues”.

Lola Design’s proactive approach is a crucial example of how designers can protect their work and contribute to wider IP reform. Their story underscores the importance of addressing design rights and copyright protections in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is set to launch a design consultation in the coming months, providing an opportunity to strengthen protections for UK creatives. ACID is calling on members to share their own infringement case studies to support this vital campaign. These real-life examples are instrumental in pushing for meaningful change and creating a fairer landscape for designers.

For those who wish to take action when the consultation is announced, ACID offers template letters for contacting MPs to ensure the voices of designers are heard at the highest levels. Protecting your designs starts with raising awareness and advocating for stronger IP rights. Email [email protected] to request a template letter/email.

If you’re wondering how to protect your designs or need support in tackling IP issues, ACID is here to help. As a member, you can also access our Take Down Fact Sheet for helpful hints and tips, just log into your Member Hub and navigate to Fact Sheets. Together, we can stand against copying and champion the value of originality.

Are you passionate about promoting and protecting intellectual property rights? If yes, then join us in promoting a culture of respect for intellectual property and protecting the rights of creatives by signing the ACID IP Charter today.

Lola Design