Støt Originalt Dansk Design
Photo: The Rights Alliance
Fake will be the downfall of the Danish design Industry
We have a long tradition of fine craftsmanship in Denmark. Danish designer furniture is produced to very high standards, and Danish design companies work purposefully to make production more sustainable. That is how it should continue to be.
Unfortunately, the Danish design industry is severely affected by copying. Technology makes it possible to produce fake designer furniture quickly and cheaply, and although no one wants to feel fake, many people still fall for it.
The consequence is that the design industry has to scale down production, design companies must deprioritize investing in new designers and products, and designers risk losing their jobs. And if designers lose their jobs, we Danes lose the designers of tomorrow. A loss that will prevent the Danish design heritage from being carried forward and instead make room for even more fakes – which will also harm the wood and furniture industry as a whole.
Facts we wish were fake
19% of Danes have copies of Danish design in their homes.
8% of Danes have purchased copies of Danish design within the past five years.
19% of Danes expect to purchase copies of Danish design within the next two years.
24% of Danes do not know that it is illegal to resell copies of Danish design.
Design copies can be harmful to the health of you and your family
In a world that is already filled with fakes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine what is genuine, who we can trust, and what intentions those trying to sell us something may have.
One thing, however, is certain: you can never know what copied products are made of or who produced them. Nor can you be sure that producers of counterfeit goods comply with Danish legal requirements regarding safety, durability, and chemicals. As a result, such products may pose a safety and health risk to you and your family. When you buy counterfeit goods, there is also a significant risk that you are helping to support child labour and/or finance organized crime.
With original Danish design, you get quality that brings joy for generations
Choosing genuine over fake is not just a question of price. It is also a matter of craftsmanship. Original Danish design represents high-quality craftsmanship that creates a very special kind of joy. A joy you are reminded of every time you sit down on the sofa, switch on the lamp, or run your hand along the back of a chair.
The next generation will feel the same, because the high quality and timeless design ensure that these products last long enough to be passed down through several generations.
Support original Danish design today so you can be sure to have it tomorrow
The Danish design industry is built on expertise, strong professional skills, ability, care—and a great deal of patience. Because it takes time to develop something truly unique.
The continuation of the Danish design heritage depends on supporting the Danish design industry. We hope you will do so, so that investment in tomorrow’s designers can continue – and so we can keep bringing Danish design into our homes. Original Danish design that fits our lives and our style.
Did you know that it is illegal to resell design copies?
Whether you have knowingly or unknowingly purchased copies of design products, you may find it difficult to get rid of them again. It is illegal to resell them, and another negative consequence is that counterfeit products also contribute to the throwaway culture – unlike genuine design.
How to avoid copies?
1. Be critical of very low prices and unusual price amounts.
2. Check for spelling mistakes in the product or designer name.
3. Look for the e-mark, Trustpilot reviews, and official retailers.
4. Look for the manufacturer’s original signature.
5. “Replica” means a copy, not a legal reproduction.
Who is the Danish Rights Alliance?
The Rights Alliance works to protect the rights of Danish design companies and to create better conditions for Danish design. On behalf of our members, we combat the illegal sale and marketing of design copies, and through information and awareness efforts we make consumers aware of the consequences of choosing to buy counterfeit products.
We also work to improve the legal framework for bringing cases concerning design copying before the courts. We do this, among other things, by serving on the board behind Designnævnet (the Danish Design Board) and by advocating for fair compensation in legal cases concerning design infringement.
The Rights Alliance represents more than 100,000 Danish rights holders across creative industries, including the design, film, literature, music, and media sectors.
Read more about the Rights Alliance’s work within the design field.
Who is behind “Støt Originalt Dansk Design”?
