From the Newsdesk

From Little Acorns…ACID wants to say Thank You!

ADAM AARONSON GLASS MAKER AND ACID COUNCIL MEMBER

In the late 90’s a few designers got together because they were sick of David & Goliath copycats and frustrated by those who used the intellectual property (IP) of others without permission. Quite simply, they wanted to stop this insidious culture. In other words, Theft!

Well known UK glass designer Adam Aaronson was one of the catalysts in the creation of what has now become Anti Copying in Design (ACID). At the time Adam was incensed that a major high street retailer had copied one of his hand-made glass designs without so much as a “Can I pay you for use of this design or acknowledgement of his copyright”.  

Few people then realised the importance, nor respected intellectual property rights, and the “little guy” didn’t stand a chance.

We were all passionate about the value of originality and creativity and the unfairness of indiscriminate copying so a few of us met every week after work at Adam’s wonderful glass studio in Fulham and plotted and planned to make this happen, i.e. to start an organisation to combat IP infringement. We had no funds, but we were keen. It was so hot in Adam’s studio because of the kilns that we drank copious amounts of wine to keep us cool. This was our excuse anyway! Eventually, after about 18 months, with the help of well-known IP specialist Simon Clark, memorandum of articles was created, and Anti Copying in Design was born in 1998.

It was Adam who created the acronym “ACID” for our logo with the idea of a name that was hard-hitting, caustic, and the yellow and black colours were chosen for danger/hazard. The ambition was for the logo to be developed as a brand of deterrence to be used by many. Today the “member of ACID logo” is used on tens of thousands of designs and products.

Fast forward over 25 years later, there have been thousands of settlements over the years, our record is formidable, and we are the “go-to” organisation for government on design and IP issues. We even spearheaded a change in the law in 2014 making the intentional infringement of a registered design a crime.

Sadly for us, after being on our ACID Council for many years, Adam has decided to step down to concentrate 100% on his passion for glass making and teaching. On behalf of the Directors of ACID, the team, thank you seems such a short word for a volume of ideas, support and advice that Adam has brought to our Council.

Dids Macdonald OBE Co-Founder and Chair of ACID said, “Not only is Adam a valuable championing friend to many designers, he is also a much-valued personal friend. His sage and creative advice through the years has moved this organisation forward and is incalculable. ACID would not be where it is now without Adam’s energy, commitment and beliefs and he has left an indelible mark on our brand, now used by thousands to create a culture of respect, ethics, and compliance against IP theft. Huge thanks Adam”.

Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s chief Counsel said, “Adam’s commitment to the cause of designers is legendary and ACID and its members will always owe him a huge debt”.

Adam Aaronson said, “I feel  honoured to have been able to play a role in helping ACID to develop a pivotal impact on mainstream perceptions of the need to protect designers’ rights”.

About Adam Aaronson

Adam Aaronson has been at the heart of British studio glass for nearly 40 years, first running galleries dedicated to glass art and subsequently as a glass artist in his own right, learning how to create glass art later in his career and developing self-taught methods. Adam is a skilled maker and a truly diverse and talented glass artist. He is constantly experimenting with techniques and exploring new ideas, including the potential of large sculptural works designed for the outdoors.

www.adamaaronson.com

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