ACID’s trailblazing work and ongoing campaigning has been a game changer in championing designers and the importance of their intellectual property rights’ protection.
This has influenced and brought about positive change in the legal and political landscape. The Design Economy is one of the success stories of the UK contributing nearly £100 billion to the UK’s GVA and the protection of its intellectual capital is critical.
In its 25th year, ACID wants to shine a light on, and celebrate the huge success that has been achieved since the organisation was co-founded by Dids Macdonald (a designer maker) and Simon Clark (an IP lawyer and Partner of Bristows). From a round table action group it has grown to be a key influencer in design law reform over many years.
Dids Macdonald OBE., CEO and Co-founder of ACID, said, “Little did I know that when I was copied so much as a designer it would change the course of my life. I vowed I would try and hold those that steal to account. One of the greatest accolades was when one of the directors of a serial retail copyist called me “that troublesome woman from ACID!“
“However, as we look to the future, there is still much to be done to change the pervading culture of design theft. UK designers are some of the best in the world and the zeitgeist of tomorrow’s innovation and I look forward to ACID continuing to make waves in the fight for IP respect, ethics, and compliance. My thanks go to Simon Clark for being such a champion for change in the early days and to Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s legal counsel for his tireless dedication and advocacy for ACID members and the broader design community’s IP rights.
“It is a time for us to celebrate, but also an opportunity for a call to action, a reminder to all that ACID’s work remains more crucial than ever as the infringement of original work is an ongoing crisis. There are still mountains to climb! Will you join us to celebrate and mark 25 years of extraordinary work in supporting designers?”
You can do so in lots of different ways.
· Download our press pack including our press release and new birthday celebratory assets and support us by sharing on your networks
· Sponsor one of our linked anniversary events or online IP sessions
· Sign our ACID IP Charter and leave us a quote and endorsement
· Become an ACID partner
“So please spread the work about ACID and help us celebrate and look ahead to supporting the next generation of designers, makers, artists, inventors, and innovators. Thank you to all, our valued members and supporters over the years, you are the lifeblood of ACID and we salute you all,” Dids added.
