Clearview National February 2019 - Issue 207 | Page 19

PROUD SPONSOR OF
INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRYNEWS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The industry has a mixed record
of respecting intellectual property
(IP). We’ve probably all seen cases
of copying (ranging from accidental
infringement to blatant copying and
theft) of innovations, product design
and brands. Common infringements
range from using images and brochures
without permission, passing off as
other brands, as well as copying other
companies’ products without permission
and benefitting from their innovation
and investment without paying for them.
The
countdown
has begun
» » WE ALL PAY A PRICE IF
we allow this to happen. People
invest a great deal of time and
money in building their brand
and developing innovations.
As an industry, we need a
flow of innovative ideas and
new products to help us take
advantage of new opportunities
and expand the market. But
companies are not going to
continue investing their time,
efforts and money if they don’t
get a return.
Over the years, window
systems, roofline companies,
hardware and conservatory
companies, fabricators
and installer networks like
TimberWindows.com and
Bygone Collection have engaged
in successful legal action
to defend their intellectual
property, and indirectly have
defended the industry.
As MD of Masterframe and
the Bygone Collection, I’ve
experienced this at first-hand.
Recently, we successfully took
legal action against a company
that purported to sell Bygone
windows and doors, using
Bygone promotional literature.
When the homeowner realised
the difference in quality and
Alan Burgess - Innovator
of Timberweld
turned to us we took the
company to court, acting on
behalf of the homeowner and
Bygone Collection installers
who they were pretending to be.
The guilty party was fined over
£5,000 plus 100 hours unpaid
community work. Rip-offs like
this give our industry (and them)
a bad name.
it’s important to check if the
image, product or innovation
you want to use is copyrighted,
or patented, and if you need a
licence. Checking and obtaining a
licence is a lot cheaper than legal
action, and a lot less disruptive.
Doing it right saves you money
and your reputation.
If you’re ready to step away from
ordinary, get ready for our launch.
And now, the countdown is on.
You will be as excited as we are.
Start your move to the exceptional
at FIT Show. We’re on Stand N5.
www.itsallsystemsgo.co.uk
#watchthisspace
STAND N5
Epwin Window Systems
Yours sincerely
Alan Burgess, Timberweld®
C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » FE B 2019 » 19