About Us
The All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property (IP) Group was launched in 2003 to raise awareness of the value of IP to the UK and the harm caused by IP crime. Consumers are being sold fake goods which are not only substandard and come with no after sales return policy or guarantee, but which could potentially harm them physically. The Exchequer is losing millions through lost tax revenue; retailers, legitimate traders and small enterprises are being forced out of business as they are unable to compete with illegal traders; and UK industry is losing billions every year from people stealing ideas and illegally copying their products.
IP crime is, therefore, an issue which affects every constituency in the country, and one which parliamentarians need to understand.
The creative industries alone contribute over 7% of the UK’s GDP. When other industries which rely on IP are added to this, such as brand manufacturing, software, publishing, sport and retail, it becomes clear why a robust legislative and regulatory system to protect IP is of paramount importance. While Ministerial responsibility for IP lies in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the range of industries and interests involved means that almost all government departments and agencies have an interest in IP to some extent and, therefore, share responsibility for ensuring these rights are properly protected. The All-Party Parliamentary IP Group seeks to bring these different players together – providing a forum to discuss ideas and initiatives to fight IP crime – and ensure this important issue is not neglected.
The All-Party Parliamentary IP Group provides briefings and information for Parliamentarians wishing to protect their constituents, businesses in their areas and the UK’s creativity. Members have the opportunity to hear of the devastating effects of IP crime and what they, as legislators, can do about it. They can also see firsthand the scale of the problem and the huge task facing trading standards officers, the police, customs & excise and industry, by undertaking visits to problem markets or accompanying enforcement officers on raids.
Luther Pendragon provides administrative support to the group on behalf of the Alliance Against IP Theft. Established in 1998, the Alliance Against IP Theft (the Alliance) is a unique coalition of 20 UK trade associations and enforcement bodies, providing a single voice for those who share an interest in preventing intellectual property theft in the UK. With a combined turnover of over £250 billion, our members include representatives of the film/TV and video, music, sport, games software and business software industries, branded manufactured goods, publishers, retailers and designers.