EU Design Reform 2025–2026: New EUIPO Design Protection Rules

The EU Design Reform introduced by Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 and Directive (EU) 2024/2823 represents the most significant update to EU design law since the creation of the Registered Community Design system.

Often referred to as the EU Design Reform Package, the new legislation aims to:

• simplify EU design registration procedures

• expand the scope of design protection

• adapt design law to modern technologies such as digital products, virtual environments, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and 3D printing

  
  

For businesses operating in the European market, the reform creates new opportunities to protect product designs, digital interfaces, and virtual goods, while also requiring companies to reassess their intellectual property (IP) protection strategies.

Why the EU Design Reform Was Necessary?

The EU design protection system, including the Registered Community Design (RCD) administered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), was originally introduced in 2002.

At that time, design law primarily focused on the appearance of physical products.

However, modern product development increasingly involves:

• digital interfaces and GUIs

• interactive animations

• virtual and digital product elements

• user-experience driven product design

These design elements often play a crucial role in brand identity, product differentiation, and market competitiveness.

The EU design reform therefore ensures that European design law remains effective in protecting innovation in a digital economy.

Expanded Scope of EU Design Protection

One of the most important changes introduced by the EU design reform 2025–2026 is the broader definition of what qualifies as a protectable design.

Under the updated legal framework, EU design rights can now explicitly protect:

• animations

• graphical user interfaces (GUIs)

• digital products

• visual elements used in digital environments

This clarification is particularly relevant for industries such as:

• technology and software

• gaming and entertainment

• consumer electronics

• automotive design

• digital platforms and mobile applications

Companies can now obtain EU design protection for the visual appearance of digital products and user interfaces, strengthening their ability to protect innovative design features.

Design Protection for Virtual Goods and Digital Environments

The EU design reform package also recognises the growing economic importance of virtual goods and digital environments.

Under the updated framework, design protection in the EU may extend to:

• virtual products

• digital fashion items

• in-game objects

• design elements used in virtual or immersive environments

As metaverse platforms, gaming ecosystems, and digital marketplaces continue to expand, protecting the visual appearance of purely digital products will become increasingly important for businesses.

Companies developing digital assets, gaming products, virtual fashion, or online platforms should therefore consider whether EU design registration could strengthen their intellectual property strategy.

The New EU Design Notice Symbol Ⓓ

Another notable feature of the EU design law reform is the introduction of the design notice symbol Ⓓ.

Similar to the ® symbol used for registered trademarks, the Ⓓ symbol allows companies to indicate that a product is protected by a registered design right.

The Ⓓ symbol may be used only by the holder of a registered design, or with the rights holder’s consent.

This means the symbol can be applied once a design has been officially registered, for example through:

• a Registered Community Design (RCD) before the EUIPO

• a national design registration within an EU Member State

The design notice symbol may appear on:

• products

• packaging

• marketing materials

• websites or digital product pages

• software interfaces

Using the Ⓓ symbol helps companies:

• signal that their product design is legally protected

• deter potential infringement

• strengthen design enforcement strategies

However, businesses should ensure that the symbol is used only after successful design registration, as premature use could be misleading.

EU Design Protection and 3D Printing

The reform also addresses the growing impact of 3D printing and additive manufacturing on design protection. Advances in 3D printing technology have made it easier to replicate products using digital design files. The updated legislation clarifies that certain activities involving digital files used for 3D printing may infringe design rights.

For example, the unauthorised distribution of digital files enabling the reproduction of a protected design may constitute design infringement under EU law.

This change strengthens protection for companies whose products can be easily reproduced using digital manufacturing technologies.

Industries particularly affected include:

• consumer products

• industrial design

• automotive parts

• fashion and accessories

What the EU Design Reform Means for Businesses

The EU design reform 2025–2026 encourages companies to review their design protection strategies.

Businesses should consider:

• reviewing whether digital interfaces, GUIs, or animations qualify for EU design registration

• protecting virtual or digital versions of their products

• implementing design marking strategies using the new Ⓓ symbol

• assessing risks associated with 3D printing and digital design file distribution

In many cases, design rights complement other forms of intellectual property, including:

• trademarks

• patents

• copyright

A well-structured IP portfolio combining these rights can significantly strengthen a company’s competitive position in the EU market.

The Future of EU Design Law

The EU Design Reform Package represents the largest update to European design law since the introduction of the Community Design system. By expanding protection to digital products, virtual goods, and emerging technologies, the reform ensures that EU design law remains aligned with modern innovation and digital markets.

For companies that rely on product aesthetics, user experience design, and digital interfaces, understanding these changes will be essential to protect valuable design assets and maintain market advantage.

Protecting Your Designs with IP Meridian

Adapting to changes in EU design law and EUIPO design registration procedures can be complex, especially for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. At IP Meridian, we help companies develop effective strategies for design protection, trademark protection, and broader intellectual property management.

Our services include:

• EU design registration (EUIPO Registered Community Designs)

• design portfolio strategy

• design infringement enforcement

• IP advisory for digital products and emerging technologies

Our team supports businesses in securing and maximising the value of their intellectual property across Europe and globally.