Nick Kounoupias, DMH Stallard's leading anti-piracy lawyer, has been welcomed as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers at the Freemen's Admissions Ceremony at the Furniture Makers' Hall on Tuesday 19 February.

The Furniture Makers, the City of London livery company, is the British furnishing industry's central organisation, charity and patron, which fosters and supports the craft and the industry, the education of students, and the industry's needy.

The Furniture Makers aim to  foster and develop the craft and the industry of the designing, making and selling of furniture and furnishing in the United Kingdom and their marketing worldwide, to educate students for and in the industry , and to support those in need in the industry.

Nick commented:
"I am delighted and honoured to have been admitted as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. I am especially looking forward to establishing closer ties with an industry that I have worked with extensively during the last few years. The present uncertainty concerning the scope of the legal protection of furniture and the state of design law protection in the UK generally has created considerable concern within the furniture making industry and I will continue to champion the industry's views within Government and beyond."

The Furniture Makers achieves these aims through a variety of means, such as: 

  • through its charitable work- helping those who have worked or are working in the furnishing industry suffering from financial hardship
  • promoting the training courses on offer 
  • support of student financial awards and prizes
  • leading joint initiatives with industry-associated trade bodies, and
  • the award of its own highly prized Guild Marks recognising excellence in three categories: Design, Bespoke and Manufacturing

Joining the Livery as a Freeman is a way to give back to the industry. It provides the possibility to get involved, network and help not only those in need but also those wanting to start a career in the furnishing industry.

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