JFS Show Partner, Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as Chief Operating Officer. Laura will begin her new role on 4 December 2023.

Having previously been Head of Legal for Magmatic Ltd, which owned the Trunki brand prior to its successful transition to new ownership earlier this year, Laura brings a wealth of relevant experience through her incredible journey on the inside track of a company which, despite its incredible success, had to battle many copycat storms along the way. What better experience could she bring to ACID than being at the coal face of what many in the UK face.

Many within the design world will know only too well the “Trunki” case, which reached the Supreme Court whereupon the learned judges delivered a verdict that fundamentally surprised and disappointed the industry.  Debate about the knock-on effects of the judgement and disbelief in the legal system have permeated through every level of those involved with design, design law and policy making for many years since.

On her appointment Laura said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining ACID, especially during their 25th year. Having been a proud member of the ACID Sector Council, I know all too well the constant IP difficulties faced by UK designers. At Magmatic Ltd, I was deeply involved in the seemingly relentless IP challenges, which gave me the opportunity to learn about IP at grass-roots level and develop a multi-faceted, resourceful approach to Brand Protection. Having also been heavily involved in product compliance and quality, I am extremely passionate about UK manufacturing and supporting our precious UK designers and SMEs.

Dids’ drive, tenacity and ambition is a true inspiration and it is an honour to be working alongside her as we continue this exceptionally important work”.