EU Design Reform - Digging into the Detail

Introduction

Registered designs in the European Union (‘EU’) are being reformed.

The reform package includes a new EU Regulation governing the registration process and rights provided by the current EU-wide Registered Community Designs as well as a new Directive to be implemented by individual EU Member States to update national design laws.

The first phase of these reforms took effect on 1 May 2025. The second phase will enter into force in July 2026, and the Directive will be implemented by late 2027.

All parties involved with designs in Europe will need to be familiar with the detail of the reforms.

The first phase of the reforms are now in force, and the intentions and form of the Directive are known along with some of the detail for the second phase of the reforms.

As well as some cosmetic changes and modernisations, these establish a significant quantity of substantive changes affecting rights and protections provided by EU designs, what is considered an infringement, and the products and articles for which protection can be sought.

This new virtual classroom seminar will delve into the detail of the reforms, providing a review of the changes, how these may affect practice, and reactions to how the reforms are being implemented.

The session will include detailed discussions of how this modifies the current system, and considerations for future filings and enforcement as well as exploring the second phase details known by this stage.

It is suitable for UK and EU patent, design, and trade mark attorneys and you should have at least a basic understanding of EU design law before attending this session.

What You Will Learn

This live session will cover the following:

• The timeline for entry into force of the reforms
• A thorough review of substantive updates to rights, protections offered, and new limits placed on designs
• An overview of the reforms seeking to modernise the EU design system as well as an update on the less significant adjustments being carried out
• Insight into the new repair clause along with changes to the filing and examination procedure and grace period
• An explanation of the adjusted fee structure

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.