[gallery link="file"] Last Thursday evening heralded the Sydney launch of the Authentic Design Alliance at KE-ZU's Surry Hills Showroom.  Speakers on the night were Taiwan based designer Michael Young, MD of Hassell: Rob Backhouse, Simone Oliver from Geyer and Matthew Hall an IP specialist Lawyer from Swaab Attorneys. One of the prominent issues that came to light was that it can prove difficult convincing clients that authenticity and longevity are important.  The role of the design's value and where this is placed from the designer/client/specifiers point-of-view also came into question.  How can the inherent long term value of original design be instilled in the consumers minds? - Ultimately through community events like this one and some pretty comprehensive legislation changes that would bring Australia in line with the US and European IP law practices. An open Q&A with the 200 strong guests followed, passions ran high as the true cost of design copies, buyer integrity and retention of original design and value through IP protection, were all hotly discussed. With representatives from the design media, architecture, interior design, furniture manufacturers as well as suppliers were all in attendance, ensuring the dialogue was as diverse as it was insightful. For more on the night pop over to indesignlive and for a full gallery of images be sure to check out and join the KE-ZU Facebook Page for continued updates and info on future events. Last but not least, we urge you to throw your weight behind the cause and join the ADA, show that you value original design.