Government commences public discussions to bolster £100 billion design industry

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced a significant review of the design protection system in the United Kingdom, aiming to modernize the framework, tackle abuse, and support the nation's thriving £100bn design economy.

Brexit has introduced complexity in the design protection system, as designs can no longer receive automatic protection in both the UK and EU markets. This review is a response to the challenges faced by the design sector, particularly its reputation as a challenging environment for smaller designers.

Minister for the creative industries, Chris Bryant, emphasizes the importance of design to the UK as a creative nation. He believes that simplifying the designs framework will support individual designers and foster innovation across the country. The sector, primarily composed of small businesses, makes up 92% of the sector, highlighting the need for a system that is accessible and straightforward for these businesses and start-ups.

The IPO seeks expertise from Britain's design community, including independent creators, luxury brands, tech firms, and legal professionals. Adam Williams, CEO of the IPO, emphasizes the need for a framework ready for future global marketplace changes.

The consultation, which runs from 4 September to 27 November, lasting 12 weeks, aims to create a modern framework for design protection. The IPO has stated that there is evidence of some applicants registering designs for products not their own, with limited means to address this under current law. The consultation aims to address this issue and others, such as the struggle of the design protection system to keep pace with digital innovation, making it more challenging to protect animated designs and modern interfaces.

Bryant highlights the complexity of protecting design ideas and the need to simplify the designs framework. He believes that this review will support individual designers, foster innovation, and contribute to the UK's continued success as a creative nation. The consultation period provides an opportunity for the design community to share their insights on reforms of the design protection system, ensuring that the final framework meets the needs of all stakeholders.