Design Council

The rules around design and AI are shifting.

The Data Use and Access Act marks a turning point for British design. But as it takes shape new questions are emerging about ownership, authorship and how creative work is used in training AI systems.

From proposals on transparency and licensing to the exploration of “style rights”, this is a critical moment for the design economy. It signals a move away from a free-for-all towards a more considered framework for how design is protected and valued.

We’ve unpacked what’s changing and what it means for designers today and in the future.

Read the full breakdown: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-data-use-access-act-mean-design-design-council-dchre/?trackingId=syrzz4w9K1OsLQ9Rb1jKBA%3D%3D

Intellectual property can feel complex and easy to overlook.

However, understanding how intellectual property works is crucial in helping designers retain control, build recognition and create sustainable income from their work.

IP sits across everyday design practice. Knowing what to protect, and when, is a critical part of working professionally and responsibly.

Swipe through to understand the basics of intellectual property and why it matters for designers.

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Design is a major driver of economic and social value, yet the conditions that support it are shifting quickly. As new tools reshape how ideas are made and shared, questions of protection are becoming more complex.

If we want design to continue delivering value at scale, we need systems that protect originality while still enabling experimentation and progress. Intellectual property plays a central role in this balance, giving designers the confidence to develop and refine ideas that can shape better outcomes.

With AI now part of the creative process, the challenge is how we safeguard attribution and integrity without limiting innovation.

What does meaningful protection look like in this context, and how should it evolve?