ACID Joins BHETA as Affiliate to Boost Design and IP Expertise for Members

BHETA is pleased to announce that Anti Copying in Design (ACID) has joined the association as an affiliate, enhancing BHETA’s access to specialist guidance on design and intellectual property (IP) matters at a crucial time for the industry.

ACID joins BHETA not as a service provider to members but as a separate membership organisation that will work alongside the BHETA team to share expertise, provide educational content, and support suppliers navigating today’s complex IP landscape.

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Strengthening IP Knowledge Within BHETA

As an affiliate, ACID will provide BHETA with expert insight into emerging IP issues, legislative changes and best-practice approaches. Their support has already been instrumental in helping BHETA prepare its response to the UK Government’s recent consultation on design rights - ensuring that the particular concerns of housewares, DIY, garden and small electrical suppliers were fully represented.

This new level of collaboration means BHETA’s internal team can continue to draw on ACID’s expertise for guidance on policy matters and sector-specific IP challenges.

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Useful Webinars and Educational Resources for BHETA Members

ACID will also contribute to BHETA’s programme of member education by:

• delivering informative webinars on design protection, copyright, trademarks and IP best practice
• sharing guides and insights to help businesses better understand and safeguard their creative assets
• advising on emerging risks to product innovators and SMEs

These sessions will be available free to BHETA members, helping them build a stronger foundation of IP understanding.

Members who require more tailored, ongoing or case-specific support - such as access to ACID’s IP Databank, legal affiliates, or dispute-handling services - will be able to engage directly with ACID and explore its separate membership options and associated fees.

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Continuing Collaboration at The Exclusively Show

ACID’s presence at BHETA’s retail showcase, The Exclusively Show, will also continue. For nearly a decade, ACID has provided on-site guidance and adjudication for exhibitors dealing with potential copyright, design or trademark disputes. Their impartial expertise has become a valued part of the show’s commitment to protecting originality and promoting fair trading.

As an Associate Member, ACID will remain an important and independent partner at the event, available to support exhibitors when questions or concerns arise.

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Supporting Innovation Through Responsible Partnership

Commenting on the partnership, Steve Richardson, BHETA Marketing Director, said:

“ACID has been a trusted partner to BHETA at the Exclusively Show for many years, so we are very pleased to formalise that relationship. Their knowledgeable support - especially during our recent design rights consultation submission - has been hugely valuable. We look forward to working even more closely with ACID to help our members navigate the growing importance of design and IP protection.”

Laura Newbold Breen, CEO of ACID, added:

“It’s fantastic to partner with BHETA; an organisation ACID has long worked alongside with the much-loved Exclusively exhibition. We’re really looking forward to building upon our long-standing relationship to further support BHETA and their members with all things IP, and ensure the housewares, electricals, DIY and garden sectors have the support and resources they need to ensure their businesses are protected.”

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