Baroness Wilcox launches Design's Call for Evidence

Understanding the Use and Impact of Design Rights on the Design Sector

The Design Industry is a major contributor to the UK economy but research has highlighted the UK’s lack of use of Registered Designs.

On 21 September, at the Design Council, we hosted a workshop to discuss the economic impact of Design Rights. A star studded guest list including Baroness Wilcox, the Minister for Intellectual Property and David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council joined a packed audience for the day.

The event was a great success, with the minister meeting three design SMEs and giving a rousing keynote speech in which she launched the Intellectual Property Office's call for evidence.

Four research reports were also launched and each author gave a presentation.

The event was facilitated by Phillip Johnson, chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Trade Marks and Design Rights, and the audience were given every opportunity to feed in and comment throughout. The day ended with a lively panel debate offering a range of suggestions for what the IPO could do next.

Audio coverage of the event is available.