The Anti Copying in Design (ACID) organisation is first-time exhibitor at this year's Exclusively Hosewares and will be on hand to offer advice on how to protect designs and products from copying.
Show director Simon Boyd said: "We want to provide our exhibitors with an exhibition environment that has zero tolerance for intellectual property theft. ACID provides the show with a very clear protocol whereby all exhibitors can contact them if they see any infringements at the show."

ACID ceo Dids Macdonald explained: "Any infringements brought to our attention at the show are dealt with immediately by our onsite specialist legal team via the ACID Mediation Protocol. ACID's Accredited Legal Advisors will check any complaint for legal grounds before communicating it to an exhibitor. Using the ACID Protocol they will offer an opportunity for discussion between the two parties. In some instances, ACID could ask for products to be removed for the duration of the show."

The ACID team will have their own stand at the show, enabling visitors and exhibitors to find out more about how to protect their designs and product developments from copying.

Mr Macdonald added: "Unfortunately, in these times of economic hardship, some people are taking the fast track to market, so we welcome the opportunity to be a visible presence at shows such as Exclusively Housewares, as it helps us offer a valuable service to all exhibitors protect our member's hard work, and acts as a visible deterrent to those considering short cuts."

Exclusively Housewares will run June 7-8 June this year at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.