seit 1. July 2026 the second stage of the reform applies. Companies should adapt their design documents and internal approvals accordingly.
Classification to the law- and procedural status 2026. Published on 7. November 2026.
What is happening? 2026 has changed
The EUIPO confirms the full applicability of the modernized EU design framework since then 1. July 2026. The reformed rules also take dynamic and animated designs into account. New display options allow this, to display such features more specifically than before in an application.
What companies should check now
New registrations should include product variants, claimed features and form of representation must be determined early on. Views and visual exclusions must match. The digitalization of the process also requires clear responsibilities for electronic official messages. There are renewal costs for ongoing portfolios, Re-evaluate release strategy and possible breach scenarios.
The practical limit
A technical file alone does not create a suitable scope of protection. It remains crucial, what the registration actually shows and whether the material protection requirements are met. The reform is therefore an opportunity to examine the design and registration process, not just for exchanging a form.
Deepening and advice on the topic