The Alliance Against IP Theft is a unique coalition of trade and enforcement organisations, providing a single voice for those who share an interest in preventing intellectual property theft in the UK.

On her appointment Macdonald said, “There has never been a more important time, in The Alliance’s impressive history, to play a key role in its future and particularly now that its resonance is being heard loudly and clearly across the entire IP landscape. I look forward to representing the issues and interests of all the Alliance’s members, who are varied and diverse, but unified in the recognition of IP as a positive force for the UK’s growth strategy.

Whilst we await Government’s response following the Hargreaves’ Intellectual Property Review recommendations, it is timely that design has finally been acknowledged as a key contributor to the UK economy. Latest figures confirm that UK businesses as a whole invest £65 billion in IP creation of which £23 billion is spent specifically on design. The tide cannot change too soon to see tangible evidence from Government that the creative and knowledge economies will provide that vital conduit providing growth and employment.”

Outgoing Vice-Chair ACG Director General Ruth Orchard said, “The Anti-Counterfeiting Group will of course continue to be an active member of the Alliance and I look forward to supporting Dids as she picks up the challenge! I know that, for her part, she will ensure that the interests of all Alliance members continue to be well-represented; not least those of brand owners in their continuing fight against the global threat of counterfeiting.”

Over the last decade ACID has been a prime mover and champion in raising awareness about issues on behalf of the UK’s designers. A key recommendation from the Hargreaves Review is that there should be a significant improvement in the role of IP in supporting this important branch of the creative economy.