Enterprise & Regulatory Bill

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The Government has announced an increase in the scope of protection for Classic designs

Under the new measures, certain ‘artistic’ designs of manufactured goods (for example certain furniture, lamps and jewellery) created prior to 1987 may now be protected from unauthorised copying under copyright law. ACID welcomes today’s improvement in copyright protection for classic designs protected under works of artistic craftsmanship from 25 years to the life of the originator plus 70, this is a significant development and it raises further awareness about the continuing value of iconic design. Design infringement of “Classics”, however, will still have to be enforced and so we are looking for these improvements to be matched with strong enforcement policy nationally and internationally.

Dids Macdonald, ACID’s CEO said:

“ACID’s consistent voice to Government for over a decade has been, “Why should an iconic furniture designer have fewer rights than an artist or songwriter?” Now this has finally been recognised but it is only the start of much needed IP reform, thus far neglected, according to the Hargreaves Review of IP. Raising awareness about the importance of the value of design to the UK economy is critically important so it is a step firmly in the right direction. However, a Government leading a highly successful design nation, should be the first, not one of the last to conform to EU law in extending the term of protection for copyright works of artistic craftsmanship. It is timely that we fall in line with the rest of Europe who, collectively, view design as a significantly more valuable national asset”.

This improvement must not be confused with unregistered design rights protection which still only lasts for 3 years under EU law and for 15 in the UK (or 5 before a license of rights can be applied for and granted). Many of the UK’s incredibly talented 240,000 strong design army rely on unregistered design right and will not benefit from this change in the law. There is now an even wider gap in the scope of protection available for designers.

Nick Kounoupias, Partner at ACID accredited law firm, DMH Stallard said:

“Whilst we all welcome these proposals, they cannot be seen as a substitute to ensuring that 3-dimensional designs are given full parity of rights with the drawings and documents from which they are create”

The fight continues for equality of rights for designers between design right and copyright!

Daniel Fountain / 11.06.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.