64 The giftware industry is a vibrant and creative sector, but it is increasingly facing challenges from the likes of online marketplaces such as Temu, which have been linked to widespread copying of original designs. For small and independent businesses, this can be devastating—impacting livelihoods, reputations, and the very essence of their brands. Anti Copying In Design (ACID) has been at the forefront of campaigning for UK designers, providing vital resources and taking action to protect the integrity of creative businesses. One such example is ACID member Lola Design, a greetings and giftware company known for their colourful and distinctive designs featuring animals, bees, and flowers. Lola Design faced multiple instances of copying by Temu. Their response was resolute: they uploaded their designs to the ACID IP Databank, displayed the ACID logo on their website as a deterrent, and used ACID’s template letters to engage with their local MP, Rachael Maskell. This proactive approach led to a significant result—a meeting with their MP to discuss online infringements affecting UK designers. This story captured the attention of major media outlets, including the BBC and Mail Online, amplifying the conversation around design theft. ACID’s Co-founder and Chair of Policy and Campaigning, Dids Macdonald, took the matter further by meeting with Rachael Maskell MP to deepen discussions about the impact of copying on designers and the urgent need for legislative support. Alongside these efforts, ACID has also been engaging with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to push for stronger measures against online infringement. Dids Macdonald, OBE. Chairman & Co-Founder, Director of Public Affairs/IP Policy & Campaigning, said, “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 of 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.” It’s not just Lola Design that has experienced the benefits of ACID membership. Other members have reported that when initiating a request with Temu for copied designs, presenting evidence of ACID membership - such as their IP Databank certificate (providing evidence of their unregistered design ownership) - has resulted in swift action. While this is a step in the right direction, it highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and robust protections for the creative industries. For designers looking to make their voices heard, ACID offers a suite of template letters to help approach local MPs and raise awareness of these issues. We also have a Temu take down fact sheet. ACID is also calling on any designers who have experienced infringements, to send us their stories to info@ acid.uk.com, so we can create case studies to add to the Design Consultation, due to be called in the next couple of months. This will be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to influence future policy change. The organisation’s commitment to empowering creatives with practical tools and campaigning for change is unwavering. By standing together, designers, policy makers, and organisations like ACID can challenge the growing threat of design theft and ensure that innovation and creativity are celebrated and protected. Distinctive designs Fighting copying in the giftware industry: The role of ACID and the case of Temu To find out more, visit www.acid.uk.com
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