The EU’s design laws are getting a spring clean this May, with a legislative overhaul aiming to modernise the protection of designs across the bloc.
Don’t worry, there are no dramatic changes. But there are some smart updates brand owners should know about. These small tweaks could make a big difference to how you manage and protect your designs in the EU.
You can read the full overview at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) website. But, if you just need a brief summary for now, here are our five key takeaways – and what they mean in practice.
1. New names: REUD and UEUD
The terms Registered Community Design (RCD) and Unregistered Community Design (UCD) are being retired.
In their place, we’re getting the Registered European Union Design (REUD) and Unregistered European Union Design (UEUD).
Why it matters: If you own or enforce design rights in the EU, you’ll need to update your language to reflect the new terms.
Action: Start using “REUD” and “UEUD” in all internal systems, contracts, and communications going forward.
2. Up to 50 designs in one application
You can now include up to 50 designs in a single REUD application, even across different product types.
Why it matters: This change could save you time, money, and admin when protecting product ranges or design variations.
Action: When applying for new REUDs, consider grouping related designs together.
3. New ⓓ symbol for registered designs
REUD holders can now use a new symbol ‘ⓓ’ to visually indicate their registered design rights, just like ® is used for trademarks.
Why it matters: It’s a simple way to deter infringers and signal that your design is protected.
Action: Start incorporating the ⓓ symbol into product packaging, websites, and marketing materials where appropriate.
4. Stronger rights in 3D printing and goods in transit
REUD holders now have explicit rights against unauthorised 3D printing – and can take action against fake goods merely passing through the EU for sale somewhere else.
Explicit rights include protection against:
- Unauthorised 3D printing of designs.
- Unauthorised downloading of digital design files for 3D printing.
- Unauthorised copying of digital design files for 3D printing.
- Unauthorised sharing or distribution of digital design files for 3D printing with the intent to enable infringement.
Why it matters: These additional legal protections strengthen your ability to tackle counterfeiting across borders (and across emerging tech).
Action: Review your enforcement strategy and monitoring tools to ensure these areas are covered.
5. Clarified defences: parody, critique, and comparative advertising
The reforms also outline clearer exceptions to design infringement, allowing use for parody, critique, or comparative advertising, as long as it’s fair.
Why it matters: You have stronger rights, but so do others (within limits). It’s essential that your team knows where the line is.
Action: Ensure you and your team are across the updates to the defences to fully understand your limits and the scenarios in which you can take action.
What does the EU design reform mean for UK brands?
Since Brexit, the UK has its own design laws. But if you hold or plan to apply for EU design rights, these changes will affect you.
Even if you only sell in the EU, you’ll need to understand these tweaks. Plus, the UK IPO is currently reviewing its own design laws so what happens in the EU may well shape what comes next in the UK.
Stay one step ahead
The EU design reform may not be revolutionary, but it’s a timely reminder: your brand’s creative assets deserve smart, proactive protection.
If you want to discuss your current online brand protection strategy, book a consultation with one of our specialists.
We’ll help you protect what’s yours, while you focus on designing what’s next.
Laura Sodaymay
SnapDragon | Brand Protection Specialist
