New European Union/EU Design Reform

23.04.2025

As from May 1st, 2025, some amendments of a new EU design reform (see Regulation - EU - 2024/2822 - EN - EUR-Lex ) will enter into force:

 

  • Widening the scope of protection by encompassing animation (progressive change of the design features including both movement and transition).

 

  • Broader definition of the term „product“ (where the design is incorporated in or applied to) in that spatial arrangements of items intended to form an interior or exterior environment, graphical user interfaces and other non-physical items are explicitly included.

 

  • Extended options for representation of the design: Any form of visual reproduction which may be static, dynamic or animated and may include videos, computer imaging or computer modelling is accepted by the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office).

 

  • New specific design registration symbol: it is allowable to display on the product provided with the registered EU design the letter D enclosed within a circle:

 

  • New infringing uses of a protected design: A design holder can prohibit creating, downloading, copying and sharing or distributing to others any medium or software which records the design. This could be particularly relevant in case of 3D printing technology.

 

The amendments roughly described above (without claim to completeness) belong to a first reform phase I. A further phase will follow on July 1st, 2026. If you wish any further or more detailed information, please contact us.