5 October 2011

The Hargreaves Report was requested by David Cameron in 2010 to address the worries over legislation being outdated in the digital age. The six month long review was published in May 2011 and independently reviewed innovation, intellectual property and growth.

Many in the UK still do not register their designs to ensure protection. In line with the review’s recommendations, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is to conduct a study of the relationship between designs and innovation to evaluate whether or not the current IP framework is working for designers.

The IPO are hoping that a wide range of people involved in industries where design is fundamental to their business participate in this call for evidence. The evidence gathered looks set to influence future proposals to revamp the UK design system. A formal consultation is due to take place by summer 2012.

The IPO set out three different ways you can submit evidence.
•    Research may be submitted via email or post
•    Call for Evidence pdf – answer questions for qualitative evidence
•    Complete an online questionnaire

You can find out more information from the Intellectual Property Office website.

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/hargreaves.htm

If you are confused about protecting your design or wish to register a design, get in contact with us!