New IP Special: Design Protection in the European Union

European IP Helpdesk team just released a new IP Special to support businesses, designers, and innovators in navigating the updated EU design protection framework following the current Design Reform. 

The IP Special brings together a set of practical materials that provide a clear overview of design protection in the European Union and explain the key changes introduced by the reform. It aims to help readers better understand what qualifies as an industrial design and how such designs can be protected under the revised EU rules.

Among the resources included is a fact sheet that highlights the main updates to the design protection regime and clarifies the scope of protection available under the new framework. An accompanying infographic offers a concise, visual overview of EU design protection and summarises the most important changes introduced by the reform.

In addition, a dedicated fact sheet on design search focuses on best practices for conducting design searches. It explains how systematic searching can help companies and designers monitor market trends, identify designs that may limit the ability to obtain protection, and avoid infringing existing design rights.

Together, these materials provide a practical guide to understanding and applying the reformed EU design system, supporting informed decision-making and effective design protection strategies.

Find the IP Special here.