tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post8646666959869005779..comments2024-03-28T16:45:51.051+00:00Comments on The IPKat: Event Report: Combat the CopycatsVerónica RodrÃguez Arguijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05763207846940036921noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-13179123859326250852017-06-07T07:46:25.697+01:002017-06-07T07:46:25.697+01:00It is great that so many are now waking up to the ...It is great that so many are now waking up to the reality of many lone, micro and SME creators who face significant challenges by copycats intent on taking the fast track to market through copying. Inevitably in the David (SME) & Goliath (often major retailers and manufacturers) scenario we are seeing the might of corporate lawyers who stonewall any legal challenge by SME innovators and perpetuate litigation leaving it almost impossible for a micro designer to continue to write legal letters and actually get to a final Court hearing if they are copied. In our experience, sadly, taking legal action is the luxury of the few so ACID's concentration is on a proactive IP strategy - education & awareness, prevention, deterrence, support when things go wrong and fiercely campaigning for design law reform. Since campaigning for criminal provisions to be introduced for the intentional infringement of a registered design was enshrined in the 2014 IP Act, we have seen a move in the right direction. The fact that individual directors are also liable would seem to have resonated. Ultimately, the message to Government has to be more enforcement support for a sector which punches well above its weight underpinned communicated and articulated CSR - declared IP compliance, ethics and respect.Dids Macdonaldhttp://www.acid.uk.comnoreply@blogger.com