Reform European Union Design

The Regulation on European Union Designs (EU Design) enters into force on May 1, 2025. This also brings with it changes regarding the subject matter that can be protected by an EU design. Of particular relevance is the explicit provision for the protection of non-physically realized products (except computer programs). In addition to traditional products produced through industrial or craft production, an EU design can now protect products that do not have a physical form. Furthermore, the appearance that is considered a design is being expanded; in the future, this will also include movements, changes in state, or any other type of animation of a product's features. The importance of the EU design for protecting the design appearance of a product will thus continue to grow.