In 2024, we reported on the approval of the European design reform. Now that those changes are already being put into practice, it is time for the second instalment.
Following a first phase of changes applicable from 1 May 2025, the reform took another step forward on 1 July 2026. Since then, designs can be represented before the EUIPO using video and 3D files.
The EUIPO has already announced its first registrations using these forms of representation. For example:
The first figures have also been published: during the first two weeks of July, the EUIPO received 37 designs represented by video and 20 in 3D, compared with 4,329 using static views. Although the traditional format remains by far the most widely used, the new options are already being adopted.
It is worth remembering that this adaptation to new technologies does not stop at the EUIPO. The reform also aims to modernise national design protection systems. To this end, Member States have until 9 December 2027 to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/2823 and adapt their national legislation to this new framework. The modernisation process therefore continues at national level… and that will be the subject of our third instalment.
Laura Conde
Abogada
