The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) has published a new guide to intellectual property issues ahead of new legislation next month.

Written by Dids Macdonald CEO of Anti Copying inDesign (ACID), the 12-page publication highlights important aspects which manufacturers and suppliers need to know about protecting their intellectual property, and how the changes to legislation may impact upon existing intellectual property strategies.

Additionally, the guide outlines key aspects such as what to do if you find that your product has been copied, and the associated risks if accused of copying.

GIMA members will be able to access the report  free of charge, whilst non-members can access a copy for a nominal fee.   

GIMA director Vicky Nuttall said: "The protection and understanding of intellectual property is something that all manufacturers should place high on their agenda.  With the forthcoming legislative changes just around the corner, it is vital that manufacturers are aware of the impact these may have on their business. With the help of ACID we have been able to develop a quick-reference guide; one that businesses can keep at hand to ensure that they stay up-to-date."

Macdonald said: "I look forward to establishing stronger ties with this fantastic sector which has seen positive growth through design-led pioneers. IP compliance, best practice and ethics are increasingly becoming core requirements in CSR."

The new Intellectual Property Act coming into force on 1 October 2014 will introduce a number of legislative changes.  Highlights include:

• Criminal provisions for internationally registered design infringements
• Individual company directors will now be held accountable if prosecuted for any IP infringements
• Design ownership will be made clearer to encourage trade in design tangible assets and reduce costs for business
• A design rights opinion service will be introduced, with the aim of enabling more IP disputes to be settled without resorting to expensive and/or time consuming litigation
• Allows the UK to share information on unpublished patent applications to help clear existing application backlogs, and speed up clearance times at other patent offices.