The framework for the protection of industrial designs in the European Union is undergoing a significant transformation with the new European Union Designs Regulation (EUDR) and the associated legislative reforms. These changes, which will be implemented in stages starting from May 1, 2025, aim to modernize the system, adapt it to technological advances and improve accessibility for users. The most important aspects of this reform are highlighted below.
Increasing the importance of design protection
The role of designs in intellectual property protection has increased considerably. According to data provided by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the number of design applications reached a record 105,221 in 2024, which represents an increase of 6,703 compared to 2023. It is worth noting that 99% of these applications were filed online, highlighting the digitization of IP services.
Recognising this trend, the legislative updates aim to strengthen design protection in the context of new technologies, such as 3D printing and digital interfaces, and to simplify procedures for businesses.
Main legislative changes
- New terminology and structural adjustments
The reforms align terminology with the Lisbon Treaty, replacing references to ‘Community’ with ‘European Union’ (e.g. ‘Registered Community Design’ (RCD) becomes ‘Registered EU Design‘ (REUD)). In addition, all design applications must now be filed directly with the EUIPO, as filing through national offices is no longer allowed.
- Extension of the definitions of “Design” and “Product”
- Design: The definition has been expanded to include animations, covering the movements and transitions of a design.
- Product: The definition clarifies that products can also include intangible elements, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and virtual spaces, providing protection for digital and interactive designs.
- Elimination of the class unit requirement and fees
Applicants can now submit multiple applications for designs belonging to different classes of goods (Locarno Classes), with a maximum of 50 designs per application.
Previously, the toll system for multiple claims was structured as follows:
- For the first design: 350 €
- For additional designs:
- From the 2nd to the 10th design: €175 per drawing.
- From the 11th design: €80 per drawing.
In the new system, fees will be simplified as follows:
- For the first design: The fee of 350 € remains.
- For all additional designs (starting with the second, up to a maximum of 50 designs): Flat fee of €125 per design.
- Introduction of the design registration symbol ((D))
Similar to the ® trademark symbol , the new symbol (D) is intended to raise awareness of design protection and facilitate marketing efforts. Rights holders and authorised third parties can use it to indicate protection through registration.
Adjustments to renewal fees
One of the most important financial changes of the reform is the significant increase in renewal fees:
- The fee for the first renewal increases from €90 to €150.
- The fee for the second renewal period increases from €120 to €250.
- The fee for the fourth and final renewal increases from €180 to €700.
In addition, the deadlines for renewal will now coincide with the actual registration date, instead of the end of that month.
For designs whose renewal period starts on or after 1 May 2025, the new system will be used.
Conclusion
These legislative updates bring the necessary modernisation of the EU design protection system, adapting it to technological advances and harmonising it with other intellectual property regimes. While the changes improve the clarity and flexibility of the system, businesses need to prepare for new filing procedures, fee structures and renewal deadlines to effectively optimise their IP protection strategy.
If you intend to register a design, the TAS Agency is ready to provide you with professional advice and assist you in the registration process with OSIM or EUIPO. You can find us at the e-mail address: office@agentiatas.ro or by phone +40745160163. And for more information on the requirements for representation of designs at the EUIPO, we invite you to consult our detailed guide.
