Press Releases

Archive of press releases, click on the year to see the PR from that year. Most of the Press releases are PDF files. You will need Adobe Reader to vie the. Download Adobe Reader (FREE)

2010
2009

2008
2007

2006
2005

2011 Press

13th December 2011
Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft, Susie Wintercomments on Mary Portas’s review into the future of Britain’s high streets

21st November 2011
Chinese Delegation on IP briefed by the Alliance

The delegation was briefed on the complete range of activities pursued by the Alliance by Director General Susie Winter. Delegates also heard from Alliance members including ACID, The Publishers Association and the BPI on best practise in the UK for combating Intellectual Property theft, including the latest technological developments and the regulatory and legislative framework operating in the UK.

25th October 2011
Alliance Quiz Night and Auction – Last few places available!

Due to the success of last years’ event, the Alliance Big Quiz is back and even bigger than before, with only a few places left! This year we are very happy to be teaming up with leading children’s charity, ‘Action for Children’, and all monies raised on the night will be split equally between both causes.

We are also delighted to announce our venue as the legendary Lords Cricket Ground. The evening will include complimentary drinks on arrival, three course dinner, an interactive quiz as well as an auction, raffle and the opportunity to tour Lords itself! For further information please contact Jenny.fraser@actionforchildren.org.uk

5th October 2011
Minister launches new IP guidance for businesses

A new guide for businesses to make sure they don’t fall foul of intellectual property laws will provide companies with advice on how they can make sure they and their employees are not illegally using other people’s intellectual property. The Alliance is delighted to have worked with the IPO to produce this comprehensive guidance for businesses which will help them protect themselves and their staff from the consequences of unlawful activity.

15th September 2011
Educational Recording Agency joins Alliance Against IP Theft

The Educational Recording Agency (ERA), operators of a licensing scheme to allow educators to use copyright material in the classroom, has joined the Alliance Against IP Theft.

15th September 2011
Alliance Against IP Theft welcomes Hunt's speech to Royal Television Society

Commenting on Jeremy Hunt’s speech to the Royal Television Society, Susie Winter,
Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft said:

“We are heartened to hear the Secretary of State unequivocally say that unlawfully
distributing copyrighted material is theft, and a direct assault on the freedoms and rights of
creators of content. We welcome his words of warning to ISPs and search engines,
advertisers and credit card companies; we believe these companies have a key role to play
in ensuring the internet is a safe and orderly marketplace for consumers.”

14th September 2011
Organised crime IS involved in online IP theft, says Alliance Chair

Today, Lavinia Carey, Chair of the Alliance Against IP Theft and Director General of the British Video Association, called for wider recognition of the level of organised crime involved in online IP theft and the damage this crime wreaks on consumers, the video entertainment and other industry sectors and the British economy.

8th September 2011
ALLIANCE WELCOMES LAUNCH OF LABOUR’S CREATIVE INDUSTRY NETWORK

The Alliance welcomes the launch of the Labour Party’s Creative Industry Network, which aims to bring Labour policymakers together with business, trade bodies, arts organisations and unions to ensure that its policy development is informed by the experiences and priorities of the people on the frontline of the UK's creative industries. The event also saw the launch of Labour’s report “Our Creative Future” where Ivan Lewis MP, Shadow Culture Secretary, set out his vision for how Labour will support the creative industries. Alliance members were pleased to see that piracy was identified as a major threat to the success of British businesses, that a clear statement was made that it was not the role of government to pick winners, but that instead it was to support the sectors of the future, and that Labour acknowledge that a successful strategy for the creative industries needs a cross Government approach.

Click here to view the Labour Party's latest report, entitled 'Our Creative Future'.

22nd August 2011
Home Office Minister backs Campaign for Fake-Free Markets and Car Boot Fairs

James Brokenshire, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Crime and Security, has voiced his support for the Real Deal campaign, saying:“I am delighted to support the Real Deal campaign. The sale of counterfeit goods, so often viewed as harmless and victimless, affects our local economies by reducing profits for legitimate traders. The goods themselves may pose a threat to health and safety, and the profits made from these sales may be used to commit other serious criminal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking.”

3rd August 2011
Government statement on intellectual property a first step on intellectual property a ‘first step’, but will it deliver growth?

Commenting on the publication today of the Government’s IP package, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft, said:
“The Government has today taken an important first step in presenting a joined up strategy to ensure IP is properly valued and IP rights can be promoted, protected and enforced.”

28th July 2011
Creative industries welcome landmark case to block Newzbin2

The High Court test case to block access to Newzbin2, a notorious pirate
website, has been successful on every count it was announced today. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), supported by the creative industries, has won an order requiring BT to block access to the pirate website Newzbin2.

7th July 2011
Alliance welcomes MPs' debate on the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property

The debate, secured by Pete Wishart MP, is an opportunity for MPs from across the political
spectrum to highlight the contribution IP rich industries make to jobs and UK economic growth, in
their constituencies and across the country, and to ensure Minsters are aware of potential
unintended consequences of some of the Hargreaves recommendations before the Government
response is published this summer.

19th May 2011
Cable publishes Hargreaves' review of IP at Alliance conference:

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Dr Vince Cable MP, launched the Hargreaves Review of IP report ‘Digital Opportunity’ at the Alliance Against IP Theft’s IP Conference.

Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft said:

“The Alliance agrees with a number of the areas for action identified by Professor Hargreaves in his report, most notably the need for effective online enforcement. We welcome the clean bill of health he gives to the Digital Economy Act along with the acknowledgement that the problem of online infringement is not restricted to digital content. Government needs to partner industry in addressing the enormously damaging problem of fake goods being sold online. Policy, clearly, needs to be based on evidence and we fully support Professor Hargreaves' comments that the neglecting of design within IP policy must stop.

“IP-rich creative and manufacturing industries are adapting and embracing the new digital markets. We look forward to discussing its issues and recommendations with government in the coming weeks.”

For a summary of the speakers at the event
please click here

For Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State Vince for Business Innovation and Skills’ speech
please click here

For Ivan Lewis MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport’s speech
please click here

26th April 2011
ACID launches IP tracker on World Intellectual Property day

WIP Day (26th April 2011), will see the launch of ACID’s (Anti Copying in Design) IP Tracker www.acidtrading.eu.com/acid-ip-tracker a simple, cost effective digital method of tracking delivery of IP led and confidential information. It is a natural electronic addition to the already successful ACID Design Data Bank which holds over 350,000 copies of unregistered designs. All too often, design ideas and new product designs are stolen at the vulnerable stage of sending them to third parties. The IP Tracker, reinforced by the powerful ACID brand, will be an additional tool of self help ensuring a further layer of IP awareness. Initially discussed in 2007, the process was only developed recently, after ACID Member and designer John Coleman’s feedback indicated that there was an increasing need for an electronic sending service which would underpin the user’s IP Rights without appearing threatening or unattractive to a potential client or collaborator.

20th April 2011
Alliance welcomes judgement on the Judicial Review of the Digital Economy Act

The Alliance Against IP Theft welcomes the fact that the Judicial Review of the Digital Economy Act ruled that the Act is legal, proportionate and fair. We now look forward to working with the Government, Ofcom and others to ensure the Act is implemented and can help protect jobs, growth and legitimate consumers as soon as practicable.

4th March 2011
Alliance: enforcement of IP regime is key to growth

A strong IP system is essential to UK economic growth and innovation, according to the Alliance Against IP Theft’s response to Professor Ian Hargreaves’ Independent Review of IP and Growth.

Please click here to view the Alliance’s submission to Professor Ian Hargreaves' Review of Intellectual Property and Growth.

13th January 2011
Alliance success sees membership grow

The Alliance is delighted to welcome two new full members in 2011. ACID (Anti-Copying in Design) and the Publishers Association have both joined the UK’s leading cross-industry pressure group campaigning to ensure IP is valued and IP rights able to be protected and enforced.

Dids Macdonald, Chief Executive of ACID commented: “On behalf of ACID, I am delighted that we are now full members of the Alliance Against IP Theft. Over the past decade The Alliance’s positive voice, representing a broad range of IP issues, has communicated a powerful message to Government on the significant value that intellectual property brings to the UK’s GDP as a positive vehicle for growth. Through the Alliance, ACID wishes to strengthen and raise the profile of IP creation within design, at present largely an unsung hero, and bring it into mainstream policy and debate.”

Richard Mollet, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association said: “British publishing is one of the UK's leading creative industries, and its success critically depends on the robust framework of intellectual property rights. In its 11 year history the Alliance has shown itself to be a powerful and effective advocate for the promotion of IP. The PA is delighted to be now working alongside the Alliance and other rightsholder groups to ensure the regulatory and legal environment is conducive to the continued success of our sector.”

2010 Press

20th September 2010
Alliance supports the Trading Standards Institute National e-consumer week

The National e-consumer week aims to raise consumer’s awareness about the dangers of buying products online, and to be more vigilant than ever about websites selling counterfeit goods, or sites which turn out to be fake and disappear with people’s hard-earned cash.

Three quarters of people feel unsafe when shopping online, according to a survey into e-commerce conducted by the Trading Standards Institute.

Please click here for further detail

29th July 2010
Councillors call for clearer sanctions on market operators to tackle counterfeiting

Clearer penalties are needed for market operators who fail to take action against illegal traders, according to councillors surveyed by the Alliance Against IP Theft.

29 July 2010

The Alliance welcomes the publication of the latest IP Crime Report.

The Report showcases the wide range of activities industry is undertaking with law enforcement to combat IP crime but highlights the ongoing challenges we all face in ensuring consumers, local communities, legitimate traders and business are free from the harm caused by the sale of fake goods.

Click here to download the report (external link)

26 May 2010

DLA Piper have scooped first prize at the Alliance Against IP Theft Big Quiz & Auction Night

Hosted by Radio 5 Live’s Phil Williams. Thirty two teams attended the quiz night and auction from a broad range of industries, including law firms, the creative industries and some of our best known brands.

26 April 2010

Alliance gears up for “Big Quiz Night & Auction” with Radio 5 Live’s Phil Williams confirmed as host

30 teams already signed up for Quiz night, to be held on 20th May at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Excitement continues to grow ahead of the much anticipated Alliance Big Quiz Night & Auction, with Radio 5 Live’s Phil Williams unveiled as Quiz Host and Auctioneer.

12 April 2010

Alliance “Big Quiz Night & Auction” places filling up fast

The Alliance Against IP Theft, a unique coalition of trade and enforcement organisations providing a single voice for those who share an interest in preventing intellectual property theft, is holding its inaugural Big Quiz night on 20th May at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

6 April 2010

Value and Protect: A Manifesto for IP

With the election only weeks away, the Alliance wants to ensure that the political parties prioritise measures to combat IP crime, and place IP at the heart of their policy pledges. To help with this, ‘Value and Protect: A Manifesto for IP’ outlines a series of realistic and achievable actions for the incoming government.

29 March 2010

Conference agrees to make markets fake-free

On Friday 26th March the coalition behind the ‘Real Deal Charter’, the national campaign designed to banish illegal counterfeit and pirated goods from UK markets and car boot sales, came together to champion the Real Deal.

16 March 2010

Real Deal Campaign announces seminar on counterfeiting in markets

The coalition behind the ‘Real Deal Charter’, the national campaign aimed at protecting consumers from illegal counterfeit and pirated goods at UK markets and car boot sales, has announced that it will be hosting a seminar at the end of March in central London.

11 March 2010

Bookings now open for Alliance “Big Quiz Night & Auction”

Confirm your place at the Quiz night on 20th May and help raise funds to combat IP theft

16 February 2010

Alliance to host inaugural “Big Quiz Night & Auction” at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

The Alliance Against IP Theft, an organisation set up to promote and protect the value of intellectual property, has announced that it will be holding its inaugural dinner and quiz night on the evening of Thursday 20th May 2010 at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC.

2009 Press

9 December 2009

Have a REAL happy Christmas, don’t buy fakes!

As the shopping frenzy is gathering pace ahead of Christmas, industry, trading standards and the government have joined forces to warn consumers of the various dangers posed by fake products.
In this difficult economic climate money is tight for many of us, but there could be a high price to pay for bargain presents that aren’t the real deal. The criminal trade in fakes has proven links with other organised crime and undermines legitimate businesses, especially when the fakers gear up for the festive season.

Millions of low-quality counterfeit products are flooding the country in time for Christmas, particularly in markets, car boot sales and online. Criminals will deliberately copy well-known brands - sometimes even charging a similar price – but beware, these fakes can pose a serious risk to consumers’ safety.

18 November 2009
Alliance welcomes Digital Economy Bill measures on digital filesharing

Welcoming the news that the Queens Speech will contain a Digital Economy Bill, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft, said:

“The Alliance welcomes the confirmation in today’s Queen’s speech that the Government is to introduce legislation to tackle digital copyright infringement. This is costing industries across all sectors millions of pounds; harming reinvestment in new content and innovation and threatening the livelihoods of the thousands of performers, artists and support workers.

“We are delighted that a cross party consensus has emerged around the need for urgent action and we urge all parties to do everything they can to ensure the Bill becomes law before the General Election.”

26 October 2009 (PDF)
Manchester says 'no' to fakes

Manchester City Council's Market Division became the first in the country to officially sign the recently launched Real Deal national charter on Wednesday 28 October at Manchester's Arndale Market. The charter is part of an initiative to keep dealers in counterfeit and other illicit goods from UK markets and car boot sales.

Manchester says 'no' to fakes

25 August 2009 (PDF)
Alliance Launches new website

The Alliance Against IP Theft today launched a new website for anyone seeking information about the value of Intellectual Property and impact of Intellectual Property theft in the UK. The new website contains information about the cost of IP theft to the UK economy, the harm it causes to consumers, the damage it causes to legitimate businesses and IP crime’s links with other criminal activity. The site also details the Alliance’s current policy concerns and campaigns and its responses to Government consultations.

1 July 2009 (PDF)
National charter aims to kick counterfeit traders out of markets and car boot sales

A new national charter, launched this week at the Trading Standards Institute’s (TSI) Annual Conference in Brighton and the Local Government Association Conference in Harrogate, will help local authority trading standards services, market operators and copyright and trademark owners in their ongoing battle against dealers in counterfeit and other illicit goods at UK markets and car boot sales.

25 June 2009 (PDF)
IP Crime Report Published

Today saw the publication, under the auspices of the IP Crime Group (of which the Alliance is a member), of the IP Crime Report. The Report presents the broad scope of activity being undertaken across industry, government and public enforcement bodies to tackle IP crime. While some significant developments have been made, notably in the work being undertaken by the IP Intelligence Hub, the evidence clearly shows that progress in combating this growing criminal activity remains slow. We need to ensure IP law is enforced effectively and on a national basis, and that those charged with its enforcement have the resources necessary to make real inroads into stopping IP crime. Click here to download the IP Crime report.

16 June 2009 (PDF)
Alliance questions effectiveness of Digital Britain Proposals.pdf

The Alliance welcomes the announcement that the role of ISPs in combating illegal peer-to-peer filesharing is to be entrenched in legislation. However, we remain disappointed that this role is to be initially limited to the sending of notification letters, leaving mass litigation by industry as the only other next step.

17th April 2009
Pirate Bay Found Guilty
Following the announcement of this morning’s decision in the Pirate Bay case, Thomas Dillon for the Motion Picture Association said.

“We welcome the Swedish court’s decision to convict and sentence the people behind The Pirate Bay, the source of immense damage to the creative industries in Sweden and internationally. This important decision confirms that Sweden’s laws do protect creative works and apply online. We now look to the Swedish authorities to end this criminal enterprise.

This is an important decision for rights-holders, underlining their right to have their creative works protected against illegal exploitation and to be fairly rewarded for their endeavours. This decision will help to support the continued investment in talent and in new online services (both locally and internationally), and the creation of new films and television shows for enjoyment by audiences around the world.”

The four defendants were convicted of copyright offences and sentenced each to one year’s imprisonment. Substantial damages were also awarded against them.

30th March 2009 (PDF)
Local Authorities blinkered on fake goods
Councillors are not only blinkered to the damage being done to their local communities by the sale of fake goods, but are unsure as to who should be responsible for stopping this criminal activity. This is despite the vast majority of councillors believing it is important to protect consumers from substandard or dangerous products.

This discrepancy was uncovered following research carried out by the polling company ComRes.

10th March 2009
Tackling film pirates would generate £614 million for the UK economy
A report published today has found that some straightforward steps to tackle film piracy would increase UK economic output by £614 million and protect the jobs of many thousands of people employed in the film industry, as well as creating some 7,900 jobs in the wider economy.

29th January 2009 (PDF)
Alliance sees progress in Digital Britain report .pdf
Alliance response to the Governments Digital Britain Interim report.

2008 Press

17 December 2008
Alliance welcomes report into IP crime at work

8th August 2008
Councillors unaware of key crime fighting tool
An overwhelming majority of councillors and council officers believe that IP crime is a serious criminal activity, and that ensuring criminals do not benefit financially from their crimes is a priority for law enforcers. However, over half are not aware of an important piece of legislation which can make sure this does not happen.

24th July 2008
The Alliance welcomes agreement to bring about 'significant reduction in unlawful file sharing'
The Alliance Against IP Theft welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding signed by representatives of the film and music industries, six key internet service providers (IPSs) and the Departments for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

5th June 2008
Alliance marks 10 years of achievement with call for more action
Alliance urges government departments to work more closely to ensure IP is at the core of public policy making

16th April 2008
Alliance gets bigger and better!
Growth in membership reflects industry's continued determination

22nd February 2008
Working towards a Creative Britain
Alliance welcomes publication but urges any changes in penalties need to apply to trade mark infringement as well as copyright.

2007 Press

24th August 2007
A Swinging Time had by all!
Spirits were high, divots flew and balls soared (some even in the intended direction) at the 11th Annual Alliance Golf Day

8th August 2007
Councils demand more cash to tackle IP crime
More than four out of five councillors and officers say additional money must be made available to trading standards

26th July 2007
'Missed opportunity' says Alliance to Government's response to Select Committee Report
Importance of creative industries acknowledged but positive words not backed up by response to key recommendations.

17th July 2007
Alliance welcomes commitment from new IP Minister
Speaking at the Alliance's Summer Party, new IP Minister Lord Triesman confirmed the Government's commitment to tackling IP crime.

27th June 2007
Copyright industries in initiative to support trading standards work
Guidance published for trading standards on how new copyright enforcement powers can help reduce crime in local communities

17th May 2007
Businesses urged to protect themselves against intellectual property theft
Alliance calls on all businesses to adopt IP Compliance Policies

16th May 2007
Alliance welcomes support from Parliamentary Committee for intellectual property
The Alliance urges the Government to adopt the Culture Select Committee's recommendations on camcording, damages and the role of ISPs at the earliest opportunity

8th May 2007
£2 million pirate DVD seizure is largest ever in UK
Over 800,000 discs seized and five arrested

6th April 2007
Easter bargain hunters warned to watch out for fake goods
The Alliance Against IP Theft is warning bargain-hunters that buying fake goods at traditional Easter car boot sales could leave them ripped off and out of pocket

6th April 2007
New powers for trading standards "put criminals on notice" says Alliance
Copyright thieves are today put on notice of potential prosecution by trading standards as they finally get the power to deal with this growing problem of intellectual property crime.

2006 Press

6th December 2006
“IP Minister Required for Intellectual Property Battle” - Alliance Against IP Theft
The Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft has welcomed the Government’s endorsement of the independent Gowers Review’s main recommendations.

05 October 2006
FACT appoints new Director General.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (‘FACT’) is delighted to announce the appointment of Kieron Sharp as its new Director General. Kieron takes up his post on 6th November 2006.

26 July 2006
Councils Call for Government Action Against IP Crime.
Over 250 delegates at the Local Government Association Conference in Bournemouth demanded urgent Government action to target IP crime. They were joining a call from the Alliance Against IP Theft and the Trading Standards Institute for greater funding for trading standards officers to tackle a growing problem.

13 June 2006
‘Sale of Fake Goods Online - A Growing Problem’ says Alliance.
On World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, the Alliance Against Intellectual Property (IP) Theft is warning buyers to beware when they purchase goods online.

08 May 2006
The Alliance today echoed the CBI's call for a dedicated Minister for IP.
The Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft has welcomed the launch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) as a major step forward in policing.

27 April 2006
"Gowers must tackle enforcement concerns" says Alliance
The Alliance Against Intellectual Property (IP) Theft has urged the Gowers Review to recommend important changes to the way intellectual property rights are enforced in the UK. Alliance Director General, Susie Winter, was commenting as it made its submission to the Treasury commissioned Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.

03 April 2006
“SOCA Must Target IP Theft” says Alliance
The Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft has welcomed the launch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) as a major step forward in policing.

10 March 2006
Secure Use of IP in Digital Age to Benefit Both Consumers and Industry, says Alliance Against IP Theft
New media and technological advances are delivering great benefits to consumers, according to the Alliance Against IP Theft.

27 February 2006
MPs Encouraged to ‘Spot the Fake’
The creative industries contribute over 8% of the UK’s GDP and are responsible for nearly two million jobs, but there remains a significant lack of understanding regarding the role and importance of intellectual property.

MPs are therefore being challenged to ‘Spot the Fake’ at a new exhibition in the House of Commons. The exhibition, organised by the Alliance Against IP Theft, will allow MPs and Peers to view examples of fake goods, and hear first hand the importance of IP to innovation and enterprise.

20 February 2006
Alliance welcomes Assets Recovery Agency and York City Council confiscation order
The Alliance welcomes today's announcement that the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) Financial Investigators, working in partnership with City of York Council Trading Standards, were successful in obtaining a Confiscation Order in the sum of £39,000 in relation to the sale of counterfeit goods at local car boot sales.

2005 Press

05 December 2005
Alliance to feed into review of intellectual property
Following the announcement by the Chancellor of a review into intellectual property rights in the UK, Alliance chair, Lavinia Carey, said: “This announcement is the confirmation of a manifesto commitment given by Labour at the election in May resulting from the Alliance’s lobbying the government, Lord Sainsbury and his officials. The Alliance will be keeping a close eye on developments and feeding in to this review.”