This regulation amends Council Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 on Community designs and repeals Commission Regulation (EC) No 2246/2002. The key aspects include:1. The regulation modernizes and updates the EU design protection system to make it more accessible and efficient, particularly for SMEs and individual designers. It adapts the system to new technologies and clarifies various procedural aspects.2. Main changes include:
- Broadening the definition of designs to clearly cover those embodied in physical products or visualized in graphic form
- Introducing new provisions on representation of designs and multiple applications
- Updating provisions on fees and their payment
- Clarifying rules on professional representation
- Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and border measures
- Introducing new provisions on administrative cooperation between authorities
3. Key provisions that may affect businesses:
- New rules on electronic filing and communication
- Updated fee structure and payment procedures
- Clearer rules on design protection scope and limitations
- Enhanced provisions on international registrations
- New provisions on repair clause and spare parts
The regulation will apply from May 1, 2025, with some provisions taking effect from July 1, 2026. It aims to create a more modern and efficient design protection system in the EU while maintaining complementarity with national design systems.
