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)

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2011 2010

2013 Press

8th May 2013

ALLIANCE WELCOMES ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR DESIGNERS

The measures announced today in the Queen’s Speech to increase the level of protection for UK designers are very welcome and the introduction of criminal sanctions for deliberate infringement of registered designs is certainly a step in the right direction.  However, for any such changes to have real and lasting benefit for the UK’s 350,000 designers criminal sanctions must also apply to unregistered designs rights.

The draft Consumer Rights Bill is an ideal opportunity to deal with the huge problem of consumer confusion online.  The internet has become an online shop window for illegal goods and consumers are unaware that many of the sites they are directed to by reputable search engines are selling, or providing access to, illegal goods.  We also note the proposed changes to trading standards powers and look forward to working with the Government and trading standards to ensure that any changes do not adversely impact the valuable work done by trading standards in combating IP crime. 

2012 Press

20th December 2012
ALLIANCE RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR COPYRIGHT REFORM

Susie Winter, Director-General of the Alliance for Intellectual Property said:

“While we are pleased to see formal acknowledgement from the Government that copyright is a property right, and that the initial impact assessments conducted by Ian Hargreaves were flawed, we remain concerned about the evidence used to justify the taking away of people’s rights in such a manner. 

“The Government has rowed back from some of its more extreme proposals, but there appears to be continued confusion over the ability of rights holders to control and influence the retail market for copyright works.  It is clear that the Government is determined to act in this area and we remain firm in our wish to work with them to create a system which provides access, choice and legal certainty for consumers while ensuring rights holders and creators are remunerated and incentivised”. 

 

17th December 2012
ALLIANCE RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT ACTION ON COPYRIGHT

In response to the changes announced this morning to the way the Intellectual Property Office delivers services, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance for Intellectual Property said:

“The actions announced today by Vince Cable are a positive step towards promoting and protecting our intellectual property, which is vital for UK economic growth and jobs. We welcome the Secretary of State’s comments on the value of intellectual property, be that to fashion, music, writing or design, and the recognition that IP is central to the future of our economy. Faster trade mark registrations, a dedicated IP Crime Unit and a consumer awareness campaign are all critical to creating the right framework for UK companies to grow and succeed. We urge the government not to undermine such important initiatives by implementing wider changes to IP law which weaken rights and threaten growth”.

 

21st November 2012
UK MUSIC JOINS THE ALLIANCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

UK Music, the umbrella organisation representing the commercial UK music industry, have joined the Alliance for Intellectual Property.

UK Music membership includes existing Alliance members BPI and PRS for Music, as well as
organisations that represents the UK’s songwriters, musicians, managers, and record labels among others.

 

7th November 2012
SECOND ANNUAL IP CONFERENCE - INVITE

The second Alliance annual IP conference is taking place on 4th December 2012. Click on the link above for more details.

6th November 2012
NEW PORTAL LAUNCHED TO HELP CONSUMERS NAVIGATE LEGAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE

The Content Map, a comprehensive portal for British digital content services, was unveiled today,
encouraging UK online consumers to explore more than 150 authorised websites and platforms
offering films, TV programmes, music, video games, e-books and sports broadcasts.

Produced by the UK’s creative industries, www.thecontentmap.com shows the burgeoning wealth of legal content available online and helps people access it with ease and confidence.

31st October 2012
SECOND ANNUAL IP CONFERENCE - SAVE THE DATE

The second Alliance annual IP conference is taking place on 4th December 2012. Click on the link above for more details.

30th October 2012
ALLIANCE WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REPORT

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Intellectual Property yesterday released its report
into the role of Government in promoting and protecting intellectual property.

The report, which came as a result of a series of inquires held by the APPG, and which took evidence from key stakeholders from creative industries and the civil service, detailed a number of key recommendations to Government ensure that intellectual property continues to provide innovation and growth for the UK.

7th September 2012
ALLIANCE AGAINST IP THEFT BECOMES ALLIANCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

For fourteen years, the Alliance Against IP Theft has represented trade associations with an interest in ensuring intellectual property rights are valued and receive the protection they need and deserve. In that time intellectual property policy has moved from being a fringe issue to one which clearly sits at the heart of business and creative success.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the Alliance Against IP Theft is now the Alliance for Intellectual Property. This development reflects our evolving role in promoting the important contributions made by the many forms of IP on which British businesses rely, while retaining our core objectives.

With a combined turnover of over £250 billion, the Alliance’s members include representatives of the audiovisual, music, games and business software, and sports industries, branded manufactured goods, publishers, retailers and designers.

 

1st August 2012
ALLIANCE WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF RICHARD HOOPER’S REPORT

Commenting, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance said:

“We welcome Richard Hooper’s ‘Copyright Works’ report which recognises that intellectual property lies at the heart of the UK economy and calls for sensible protections against copyright theft. The report recommends creating an industry-led Copyright Hub, which would ensure that innovative businesses, such as our members can generate revenue from their intellectual property. The Alliance supports Hooper’s recommendation in principle and looks forward to seeing the detailed analysis of the funding and structure of the Hub.”

 

16th July 2012
ALLIANCE WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF THE IP CRIME REPORT

Commenting, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance said:

"This detailed and comprehensive report sets out clearly the scale of the problem we (business, Government and law enforcement) are facing in tackling this criminal activity.”

 

10th July 2012
RICHARD MOLLET ELECTED AS CHAIR OF THE ALLIANCE AGAINST INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT

The members of the Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft (the Alliance) are delighted to announce the election of Richard Mollet, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, as its new Chairman. Mollet, who will remain as CEO of the Publishers Association, succeeds Lavinia Carey, Director-General of the British Video Association.

 

10th July 2012
MPs unite with industry to celebrate the contribution made by intellectual property at Alliance Summer Reception

MPs united with industry to celebrate the economic and cultural contribution made by businesses and companies to the UK which rely on intellectual property (IP) last night at the Alliance Against Intellectual Property Theft’s annual summer reception.

 

27th June 2012
RESPONSE TO BIS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT: THE HARGREAVES REVIEW OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: WHERE NEXT?

Commenting on the publication of the BIS Select Committee’s report into the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property, Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance, said:

“The Alliance welcomes the emphasis the BIS Select Committee has placed on the importance of evidence to the development of intellectual property policy and the acknowledgement that the economic estimates contained in Hargreaves were ‘optimistic’ and in need of further analysis. It is also welcome to see the Committee endorse the Digital Economy Act and we echo the Committee’s call to Government press ahead and ensure that this is brought fully into force.

“Although we welcome proposals to simplify the implementation of design rights, we need to ensure that this does not leave them weakened. We urge the Government to look at extending the term of unregistered design rights for designs produced after 1988 thus providing designers with parity of rights with copyright.”

 

26th April 2012
On World IP Day the Alliance Against IP Theft calls on the Government to celebrate the success of the UK’s IP framework in supporting creativity and encouraging investment in UKIP-rich industries.

It urges the Government to acknowledge and preserve the vital role IP plays in bolstering competitive markets, jobs and growth.

Intellectual property is essential to the success of the UK creative and brand industries. The creative industries support around 1.5m jobs and contribute over £36 billion to UK GVA, while IP forms the basis for the £16 billion invested by companies annually in the UK economy by building brands.

Commenting Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance said:
“The UK is responsible for some of the most sought after music, films, TV shows, books, and video games in the world. We are home to world-leading brands and, in the Premier League, have the most successful football league in the world. IP is essential to each and every one of these successes. Therefore ensuring IP rights are valued, protected and enforced, with businesses and investors provided with the requisite certainty to invest, is absolutely critical. We urge the Government to ensure this is the case."

 

26th April 2012
The importance of branding to the UK Economy - By the British Brands group

Brands are significant generators of economic wealth for the UK, while providing
consumers with trust and confidence in what they are buying. On World IP Day
(26th April 2012), the British Brands Group calls on Government to develop a positive
policy for brands so they may be a stronger force for the country.

21st March 2012
Proposed copyright reform won’t deliver predicted growth

The Alliance Against IP Theft has today published an analysis from Oxford Economics of the Government’s Consultation on Copyright which found its economics seriously lacking. The report was published on the deadline for responses to the Consultation.

The Government is looking to the recommendations in the Consultation to encourage economic growth and increase UK GDP. In this first detailed economic analysis of specific aspects of the Consultation, Oxford Economics finds that that the assumptions made are overly optimistic in a number of cases, lack economic rigour, and fail to adequately analyse of the harm they may cause to existing industries that rely on copyright.

 

6th March 2012
High court upholds digital economy act to protect consumers and workers in the creative industries

The Court of Appeal Judges today handed down their judgment on the Judicial Review of the Digital Economy Act, following two failed appeal attempts by BT and TalkTalk to appeal an earlier decision.

The creative industries ‘interested parties’ which has supported the Government throughout the Judicial Review process are again calling on BT/TalkTalk to now put the litigation behind them and join the creative sector and the Government in implementing the Digital Economy Act.

 

2011 Press

13th December 2011
Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft, Susie Winter comments 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.

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