New Berlin Office Location

We are thrilled to announce that our office has relocated to a new space at the iconic Berlin Potsdamer Platz. This vibrant location reflects our commitment to growth and collaboration while providing an inspiring environment for our team and clients. Come visit us and experience the energy of our new home!

 

EU Design Legislation Update

The EU’s updated design legislation introduces changes effective as of 1 January 2025 to the filing process with advantages for applicants while the renewal fees are significantly increased.

This newsletter outlines the revised fee structure, compares it to the previous framework, and highlights additional key legislative updates that affect design holders.

 

New Denotation of EU Designs

European designs are nowadays called Registered Community Designs (“RCDs”) will soon be called European Union Designs (“EUDs”). Likewise, Community design courts will be named as EU design courts.

Furthermore, EUDs holders may use the design registration symbol D to indicate protection of their products in the same way like the symbols ® and © used for trademarks and copyrights.

 

Filing Fees and Multiple Design Application

The official application fees for single applications remain the same.

For multiple applications, the official fees will be reduced from EUR 165 to EUR 125 for the 2nd up to the 10th design and will increase from EUR 80 to EUR 125 for the 11th design. For multiple applications, there is an outstanding advantage that the requirement of unity of class for multiple applications of EU designs will no longer apply from May 1, 2025.

Therefore, applicants may file up to 50 different designs in a multiple design application covering designs from different Locarno classes without being limited to products of the same class. This will allow applicants to more efficiently benefit from the reduced filing fees for multiple applications.

Key Takeaway Designs from different Locarno classes should be filed using a multiple EU design application thereby reducing the fling fees.

 

Renewal Fees: Old vs. New Structure

The renewal fees under the updated framework increase sharply for later terms, emphasizing the value of prolonged design protection.

Key Takeaways While the first renewal sees a modest increase, the fees for the third and fourth renewals have risen dramatically, reflecting the EU’s strategy to prioritize shorterterm protections. These changes demand a strategic approach, particularly for older designs nearing the end of their protection period (see strategic recommendations below).

 

Other Notable Updates

Digital Design Protection

The legislation explicitly protects designs in digital formats, including animations and virtual environments with effect of January 1, 2026. This aligns IP law with the growing relevance of digital innovation.

 

Simplified Filing

Procedures Broader support for 3D file formats and increased number of views per application enhance the filing process. The number of views for EU designs will no longer be limited to seven, but the exact number of views is yet to be determined by further legislation and will take effect in January 1, 2026. We will keep you updated.

 

Repair Clause

Visible spare parts used in repair will no longer be protected by design rights after the transition period which ends 9 December 2032, opening markets to greater competition.