The EU design reform (2025-2026)
The EU design reform (2025-2026): new name, lighter formalities, new filing formats — what actually changes for applicants.
Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 modernises EU design law. The "Community design" becomes the "European Union design", several formalities are eased, and new filing formats appear for animated and digital creations. The changes roll out in two phases, May 2025 and July 2026.
What is changing
The right is renamed — the Community design becomes the European Union design. Filing through national offices is removed in favour of centralised filing at the EUIPO, several formalities are simplified, and new types of representation (animations, digital views) are accepted to better protect interface and digital-product designs.
The timeline
A first wave of measures has applied since May 2025; a second phase comes in July 2026, notably for the new file formats. Filing strategies do well to factor in this timeline.
Should you act?
For most owners, the reform makes life simpler rather than more constrained. But if you protect digital or animated products, or if you managed filings through a national office, it is worth reviewing your strategy.
See our Designs page.
Source
Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 — EUR-Lex; practical information on the EUIPO site.