Originals and knockoffs

What is it like to be a designer in Australia today when design theft is so prevalent?

In Australia replicas of originals remain legal despite fakes being criminalised in Europe and Britain. In the 1950s Clement Meadmore had his own stoush with another manufacturer and the patent office. At the peak of his success, Meadmore’s corded chair would be produced by no less than six copyists.

Anne-Maree Sargeant, Director Authentic Design Alliance, alongside renowned designer, Adam Cornish and guest curators Dean Keep and Jeromie Maver discussed the perils of protecting original designs – a concern for designers even more so today.