2025 Designs reform edition of the EUIPO Examination Guidelines enter into force

The latest edition of the Guidelines for Examination of registered European Union designs entered into force on 1 May 2025, following consultation with the EUIPO’s Management Board and later adoption by the EUIPO Executive Director by means of Decision EX-25-03.

The main changes reflect the first phase of the legislative reform in the area of designs introduced by Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 applying as from 1 May 2025. These updates take account of the following:

• Updated terminology: e.g. change from registered community design (RCD) to registered European Union design (REUD), as well as revised definitions and legal references.

• Elimination of the option to file via national offices and the filing of specimens.

• Removal of the unity of class requirement.

• The possibility for decisions to be taken on surrendered or expired designs, provided the requesting party shows a legitimate interest.

• Clarification on res judicata.

• Extension of priority effects to Article 25(1)(e) and (f) EUDR.

• Modifications to entitlement proceedings.

• Removal of certain fees.

• Changes in the calculation of the basic renewal periods.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/2025-designs-reform-edition-of-the-euipo-examination-guidelines-enter-into-force