UK takes the lead in IP protection
The UK has continued in its steps to protect the intellectual property of those entities operating within the realms of its jurisdiction, as superyacht industry experts continue to warn designers to remain diligent.…
UK, London. The UK has offered further encouragement to superyacht designers and naval architects working within its jurisdiction with news that it is tightening its global network to guard against intellectual property infringements. Christabel Koh will become the UK’s new IP attaché for South East Asia, joining compatriots in Brazil, China and India. Commenting on her brief, Koh said, “Based in Singapore, my remit will be to advise British companies about the IP framework and environment in key South East Asian markets, to widen and deepen the IPO’s dialogue on bilateral and multilateral issues with its local counterparts, and to keep abreast of IP-related developments across the region.”
The problem of intellectual property infringements is well known to superyacht designers, and the UK’s proactive approach to tackling this problem will be welcomed by swathes of the superyacht community, not least because the UK is the industry’s favoured legal jurisdiction.
Speaking at June’s SuperyachtDESIGN Week, Clyde & Co.’s John Leonida warned designers that their eagerness to procure business was invariably the cause of IP disputes. By attempting to catch the attention of owners with unique designs, designers are failing to take the necessary steps to protect their work. “Designers need to adopt a less egotistical approach to protect their work”, Leonida explained. This sentiment was echoed by Rapisardi Intellectual Property’s Elena Cristofori, who said that any design featuring unique elements should be registered with an intellectual property lawyer.
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