Acid burns mark on Net with launch of website

Copyright action group Anti-copying in Design launched a website last Friday to provide both members and non-members with professional information on copyright issues.

The site, www.acid.uk.com, features graphics designed by Rare Design creative director Simon Morley. Pepperneck designer Paul Woods constructed the site. It is Acid’s first initiative to help website creators protect their designs.

Acid worked in conjunction with The Patent Office, which has endorsed the site, to create a fast-track page to some of its sources of advice and guidance.

Visitors to the site can download application forms for trademarks, patents and design registration.

Design consultancy members will be encouraged to use the Acid logo and accompanying copyright statement on their website front pages. This is designed to ‘act as a deterrent to would-be copyists’ according to Acid chief executive Dids Macdonald.

‘The logo is the first signal to anyone anonymously cherry-picking websites for ideas,’ says Macdonald. ‘This is reinforced if the copyist goes through to the Acid site and sees our strapline, “Commission it, don’t copy it”,’ she adds.

The site is divided in two, incorporating an overview explaining to potential members what Acid is and how it operates. The second site is for members only and will include a confidential chat room where they can air their views.

In the future, members will also be alerted when a new design right or copyright infringement takes place and gives people the opportunity to pool information from previous experiences.

‘It has been proven that joint actions are powerful and can result in quicker settlements,’ says Macdonald. ‘The defendant is more likely to be advised to settle and the cost can also be reduced.’

The site incorporates a section of legal tips designed to be ‘user-friendly’, non-intimidating and interesting.

‘We are keen to get the Acid brand out even more in the public domain,’ adds Macdonald.