Gift multiple and conservation charity the National Trust has joined Anti Copying in Design (ACID), the leading UK and IP (intellectual property) membership and campaigning body, which is committed to raising awareness and encouraging respect for IP.
“We are delighted that the National Trust is supporting Anti Copying in Design not only to help protect their own in-house designs but as advocates of the original design of others,” comments Dids Macdonald, OBE., ceo of ACID. “From writers to fabric designers, photographers to painters, the protection of their intellectual property is paramount.”
With over 300 stores and an online shop, the National Trust’s retail range is an important income generator, funding the work the conservation charity undertakes to protect the special places in its care. Protecting the IP of the products it develops and stocks is paramount to the Trust.
“It is so important to us as a design team to know that our original and authentic prints are protected,” states Laura Vincent, senior retail designer for the National Trust. “So much research and time goes into sourcing the locations to inspire our designs, developing the print and in capturing the unique stories behind them. It is important that organisations like ACID can help ensure the authenticity of connection to our charitable activities is protected.”
The National Trust’s in-house designers, who release four collections a year, seek inspiration from the range of properties, as well as the natural environment in the charity’s care. Each print is unique to the charity and represents national treasures that are being preserved for everyone to enjoy.
