The New EU Design Reform - In a Nutshell

In 2025, the European Union is modernizing its design law framework for the first time in over 20 years. The reform brings important updates that make design protection more accessible, flexible, and better adapted to today’s digital economy.

Key Highlights:

  • Lower fees – applying for registered EU designs – REUD (previously RCDs) will be more affordable, especially for SMEs.

  • Digital focus – new rules explicitly cover digital products, such as GUIs, icons, and animations.

  • Broader scope of protection – protection now extends to 3D printing, spare parts, and other technological uses.

  • Simplified procedures – faster and clearer registration steps through EUIPO.

  • Stronger enforcement tools – improved rules against counterfeit goods and infringing designs.

REUD

Why It Matters:

The reform ensures that EU design law keeps pace with modern creativity and technology. Businesses of all sizes – from fashion and consumer goods to tech startups – will benefit from more flexible, cost-effective protection.

For companies relying on product appearance as a competitive advantage, acting early to secure registered design rights is now more important than ever.

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