Support your IP... Now!
Before we talk about your Intellectual Property, let’s talk a little about intellectual capital – it’s a critical asset & the DNA running through most creative businesses and this needs to be identified, valued and protected to achieve growth. It’s about know-how, trade secrets, your techniques – the intangible value of a business covering its people, relationships and its structural capital of which Intellectual property is but one component.
As a creator, designer or manufacturer, you may find the whole Intellectual Property (IP) subject complex and hard to understand. This is completely normal! IP is one of the more complex areas of law and is built on Property Rights.
Intellectual property (IP) refers to the creations of the mind, such as designs, inventions, brands, and artistic works. It is a valuable asset that can distinguish your business, drive innovation, and create economic value. Examples of IP include product designs, logos, patented inventions, and creative works like illustrations and music.
Intellectual property rights (IPR) are legal protections that grant the creator control over how their work is used. These rights help ensure that others cannot reproduce, distribute, or benefit from the work without proper permission. Examples of IPR include copyright, trademarks, patents, and design rights.
Protecting your intellectual property ensures that you retain control over your creations and can benefit from them. Without proper safeguards, your work could be copied or used without permission, potentially harming your business or livelihood. Strong IP protection also fosters trust, supports growth, and provides a framework for addressing disputes.
Design theft is all too common, and it’s time for change. ACID campaigns tirelessly for stronger IP laws and better enforcement to create a fairer, safer environment for designers. By lobbying government, influencing policy, and raising awareness, we aim to make IP protection a cornerstone of creative industries.
ACID offers a wealth of resources to help you understand and protect your intellectual property. From webinars and seminars to legal advice and the ACID IP Databank, our services are designed to empower you. Visit the IP Explained section on our website or contact us directly to start your IP journey with confidence.
The main membership benefits can be viewed on our ‘Why become an ACID Member’ page. More importantly, by joining the ACID Community you are taking a positive step to understand and support your Intellectual Property, learn more about IP Rights and the law and how you can maximise the Rights you do have to achieve growth.
Yes, all memberships can be created online by completing an application form – simple!
ACID has members from all over the world. We would recommend that if you are based overseas that you look into which benefits will be of value to you before joining.
Our friendly and helpful ACID team are always on hand to guide you through the process, the online application form, payment options and how you access your online profile and benefits once you have joined. Call or email us with the details at the bottom of the page.
Like any membership organisation, ACID has a set of terms and conditions of membership, and more importantly a joining criteria and a code of conduct which are all online and should be read and understood before completing the application form.
ACID likes to support all sizes of business from individuals to multi national groups. We base our subscription on the annual turnover of the individual or company in the previous financial year. The subscription rates are on a sliding scale depending on the size of your turnover. With our new online payment system for both one off and monthly payments it is easier than ever to join.
Start up businesses with no turnover history will join in the lowest Category 1 band. As your business turnover grows you can change bands as necessary.
Yes, we think it is so important that the UK’s new and emerging talents are supported and can learn more about the rights they are creating and how to protect them.
Don’t worry, if you have chosen an annual payment we will remind you! If you opted for Direct Debit installments the payments will run on without you needing to do anything. We never cease or cancel a member without contacting them.
We have all done that at some time! Simply request to reset your password at log in, or contact the Membership team who will help. [email protected]
Maybe you have only just started designing or you are not sure if you are ready for Full Membership. Why not sign the ACID IP Charter for free to show your support and declare “I am Anti Copying in Design”? Find out more about becoming an ACID Charter Signatory today.
