The copyright protection period has been increased from 25 to 70 years after a designer dies by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

This applies to any artistic work for which more than 50 copies have been produced.

Companies using designs and artworks for which the 25 years have expired, but not the 70 years could find themselves in breach of copyright. These companies have until January 28 2017 to comply, after which time the copyright holders will be able to take legal action against them.