Release date: 22 September 2011
An Intellectual Property Office event hosted by the Design Council with Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills, announces the publication of the first phase of research into the use of design rights in the UK, how this affects the industry, and a call for evidence on how the UK intellectual property framework can better support our globally successful design industry.
The key findings from the research show that the most intensive spenders on design in the UK are business services, manufacturing and construction. Relative to other countries the UK spends a lot on design related products and services; however there is very low awareness of design rights. The research also found that registered design rights are used mainly in specific business sectors, such as furniture and clothing.
These reports are available via the IPO web-site
Research from the Design Council found that the combined budget of in-house design teams and fee income of freelancers and design consultancies was £15bn in 2009.
But there are questions about the extent to which the design industry is properly supported by the Intellectual Property Framework. The lack of evidence on this innovative sector was highlighted by Ian Hargreaves in his review of Intellectual Property and Growth and the Government committed to gaining a better understanding of whether the design rights system in the UK is geared to the needs of business.
To help answer these questions, and properly target and inform future policy change, the Government today will issue a 'call for evidence' to the design sector and launched a separate online questionnaire/survey aimed at business
Baroness Wilcox said: “UK design has an excellent reputation. From fashion to aerospace, from graphic design to technology, the UK design industry is held in high regard across the world. But how do we maintain that excellence and what can Government do to better support design? I urge the design community to participate in this call for evidence and help influence and shape the designs regime for the future benefit of the UK".
Notes to editors
1. The full Government response to the Hargreaves Review, along with the IP International Approach and IP Crime Strategy are available on the IPO website www.ipo.gov.uk.
2. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is within the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) and is responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
3. Its role is to help manage an IP system that encourages innovation and creativity, balances the needs of consumers and users, promotes strong and competitive markets and is the foundation of the knowledge-based economy.
4. It operates in a national and an international environment and its work is governed by national and international law, including various international treaties relating to Intellectual Property (IP) to which the United Kingdom is a party.
5. The Design Council CABE places good design at the heart of social and economic renewal
6. As a centre of new thinking and insight into the role of design in innovation, it is one of the world’s leading design organisations. For more than 60 years, it has sought to provide evidence and demonstrate how design can help build a stronger economy and improve everyday life through practical projects with industry, public services and education.
7. The Design Council is a charity, incorporated by Royal Charter, that promotes design and architecture for the public good. For more information please visit: www.designcouncil.org.uk
8. ‘Digital Opportunity: A review of intellectual property and growth’ is available on the review website www.ipo.gov.uk/ipreview.
9. A full copy of the Government response to the Hargreaves Review is available on the IPO and BIS website, www.bis.gov.uk and www.ipo.gov.uk.
10. For further information, please contact Dan Palmer on 0207 215 5303 or e-mail communications@ipo.gov.uk.