The UK Government has announced the repeal of Section 52 of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act in 2014: the copyright on furniture designs would be extended from 25 to 70 years after a designer’s death.
Businesses were given five years to adjust to the change in law, which meant that most of the designs they were selling would then become illegal. By 2020, they should stop selling replicas altogether or else they could face a fine of up to £50,000, and a custodial sentence of up to ten years. However, in November 2015 the repeal was unexpectedly brought forward to April 2016 – meaning after this month businesses could no longer replenish replica stock.
While many businesses struggle to find ways to adapt and innovate within the new timeframe (and possibly need to quit), the most logical step for Cult Furniture, a business based on offering affordable replica furniture, was to establish itself as a design studio instead of being a limited stockist.
After learning about the possible law changes in 2014, Cult Furniture has been working around the clock to turn from stockiest to design studio. After forming an in-house product design team in 2015, Cult Furniture developed their original collection, Cult Designs: furniture inspired by iconic designs but with contemporary twists in the brand’s style, to replace their best selling iconic designs.
Fiaz Iqbal, CEO of Cult Furniture, said: "The road from stockist to design studio, hasn’t been an entirely smooth one. Many of the new designs were work in progress and not due to be released until mid-2017. The sudden April 2016 deadline created a lot of pressure and stress in perfecting the new Cult Design range on time. But, with years of market research, the new designs are anything but a gamble. Knowing exactly what customers are looking for in terms of style, Cult Furniture will launch their new furniture line as an alternative to those who will soon have limited access to iconic furniture.
“We firmly believe that everyone should have access to good design. When they want to buy reproductions, this is their choice. We hope to provide an alternative, to keep the vision of Eames alive: that good design should be affordable and for everyone, not just the rich and famous.”
Moda Side Chair (various colours): £79
Moda Arm Chair (various colours): £89