EUIPO Celebrates the 20 Years of Registered Community Design

In 2023, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) celebrates the 20 years of Registered Community Design (RCD) and its contribution to the development of innovation and creativity within the European Union (EU).

On 1 January 2003, the very first Community design application was submitted by the Japanese firm Casio Computer Company for their renowned calculators and the application was registered on 1 April 2003. Even though the design expired in 2013 and was not renewed, it is still timeless and represents an important turning point in the development of design protection in the European Union.

To commemorate this milestone, on 1 April 2023 the EUIPO launched a new and user-friendly filing for design registration (new RCD e-filing), making it simpler than ever for users to protect their intellectual property (IP). This user-friendly online form aims to make it easier for companies, designers, and entrepreneurs to submit their EU designs. It also includes a virtual assistant guiding applicants through the process.