ACID AND THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION JOIN FORCES TO POWER UP IP PROTECTION

With design theft still a significant issue affecting creators, the GA’s collaboration with ACID brings a compelling new layer of support at a time when safeguarding creative originality has never been more essential.

This exciting partnership aims to:

• Equip GA members with enhanced tools through accessing ACID membership at a discounted rate to protect their IP, including access to ACID’s respected IP resources, advice services, and the ACID IP Databank.
• Promote ethical trading practices across the gift, home, and lifestyle sectors by encouraging the adoption of the ACID IP Charter—an industry‑wide pledge to uphold respect for original design and responsible use of creative content.
• Advocate for designers’ rights through joint campaigning, events, and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of IP protection.

Through this partnership, GA members will gain valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of IP, strengthen their commercial protection, and join a united front committed to the integrity of original design.

We look forward to working together to build a safer and more prosperous future for designers, makers, and brands throughout the UK.

Gemma Sault, Managing Director of The Giftware Association, said: 

Our industry is built on creativity, and it’s vital that the people behind it feel supported and protected. Designers and brands put huge effort into developing original products, and they deserve to see that work respected. Partnering with ACID allows us to offer our members practical help to safeguard their ideas, while continuing to promote fair and responsible trading across the sector. We’re proud to be working together to support a stronger, more confident creative community.

Laura Newbold Breen, ACID CEO, said:

It’s fantastic to have The Giftware Association join the ranks of ACID’s invaluable partners; a team of exceptional organisations committed to IP support for their members which is growing by the day. ACID is all too aware of the challenges faced by our UK giftware industry, not least through the extensive copying on platforms such as TEMU, and together we can ensure this significant portion of the UK economy is equipped with IP resources to protect their businesses.

Dids Macdonald OBE., ACID’s Co-founder and Chair said,

The Giftware Association has been the beating pulse of the sector for many years, championing the excellence of the UK gift and home industry. By aligning with ACID, two trusted partners come together as a powerful force, united in protecting originality, creativity, and design integrity