IP theft in design & innovation

Original Minds, Rightful Credit campaign - survey on intellectual property (IP) theft in design & innovation in the UK.

Thank you to the to Design Research Society and to the Design Council for sharing our inaugural Original Minds, Rightful Credit survey.

If you’re a researcher, designer, innovator, or technologist working at postgraduate level or above in the UK’s vibrant creative industries or its STEM sector - or have been of past — the OMRC team and I invite you to take part in an important national survey.

Have you ever felt your work was misattributed, misused, or even stolen?

You’re not alone. Intellectual property (IP) misappropriation remains a deeply underreported issue in our fields. Whether you’re in academia, industry, or an independent studio, your experience matters.

This survey seeks to uncover the true scale and impact of IP theft — on careers, collaborations, funding, and innovation itself.

We’re collecting data to inform future policy, promote transparency, and advocate for fairer recognition of the creative and intellectual work that drives progress.

Who should participate?

Researchers, postgraduate students, academic staff, independent creatives, and practitioners across science, tech, engineering, design, and the arts.

Why take part?

Because too often, the real authors of innovation are left out of the story. Your insights can help change that.

The survey takes just a few minutes. Your input could help influence future frameworks for IP protection and support better practices across sectors.

Find the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2Z5FXH

Please also consider sharing this within your networks — colleagues, collaborators, and fellow creatives, scientists, engineers, technologists, and STEM pros. The more voices we hear, the stronger the case we can build.

Thank you for being part of this crucial conversation.

Find out more about the campaign at the link https://originalmindsrightfulcredit.secureserversites.net