Download our guide to EU design reform

After almost 10 years of discussion, the reform of design law in the EU finally came into force on 8 December 2024. While this reform does not call into question the fundamental principles of EU design protection, it does introduce a number of important structural, process and material changes as we outline in our latest guide.

Known as the ‘EU Design Package’, this reform is the fruit of a process of reflection that began in 2015 and aims to modernise design protection systems by making them more accessible. Following public consultations aimed at harmonising and updating the system, particularly in light of new technologies, the European Commission published two proposals for revisions to the relevant legislation in 2022, which were finally adopted at the beginning of 2024.

This guide explains the main impacts of the recent reforms to the EU design system in preparation for these changes, some of which will take effect from 1 May 2025, including:

• New terminology and a dedicated symbol Ⓓ,
• Definitions and requirements,
• Filing, registration and renewal procedures,
• Clarification of the scope and limitations of rights, and
• Changes concerning ownership and validity.

Download the guide now to find out more.