European design reform: why the new ways of representing a design can make a difference in protection

Since 1 July 2026, the second phase of the European design reform has been fully implemented. Among the most significant changes is greater flexibility in how designs can be represented, reflecting an obvious reality: products are no longer limited to static physical objects. Today, digital interfaces, animated elements, virtual environments, and increasingly complex products coexist.

This reform modernises the European design protection system and creates new opportunities for innovative companies looking to effectively safeguard the visual value of their products.

A system adapted to the digital economy

For years, design representation has relied primarily on static images. However, this approach has become insufficient for many modern products.

The reform expressly recognises new realities such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs), animations, moving visual elements, and other digital products that form part of many companies’ day-to-day activities. In sectors such as software, consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, medical devices, and consumer goods, a product’s appearance may depend on visual details that cannot always be adequately captured through a limited number of images.

One of the main objectives of the reform is therefore to enable designs to be represented in a way that more accurately reflects reality.

New formats: 3D models, animations, and videos

The most notable change is that the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) now accepts new forms of design representation. In addition to traditional images, applicants can now submit:

• Three-dimensional models in digital formats.
• Animated representations through video files.
• Designs incorporating movement, transitions, or visual changes.

This is particularly relevant for products whose appearance depends on movement or user interaction. Examples include:

• A graphical user interface (GUI).
• An animated icon.
• A visual transition within an application.
• A product whose appearance changes depending on the viewing angle.
• A digital object used in virtual environments.

Until now, these elements had to be represented through a sequence of static images, a solution that often failed to accurately reflect the actual design.

More views to better describe a design

Another significant development is the increase in the maximum number of views that can accompany a design application.

Under the new rules, applicants may submit up to 10 views to represent a static design before the EUIPO. While this may seem like a minor change, it can have a substantial practical impact because many products include:

• Ornamental details located in different areas.
• Complex shapes.
• Components visible from multiple perspectives.
• Features that can only be properly appreciated from specific angles.

Having more views available makes it possible to show these details more accurately and reduce uncertainty regarding which aspects of the design are protected.

Clearer and stronger protection

When it comes to designs, representation is much more than a formal requirement.

To a large extent, the protection obtained depends on how the design is represented in the registration. An incomplete or imprecise representation can create uncertainty about the scope of the rights granted and may make enforcement against copies or imitations more difficult. Conversely, a complete and strategically prepared representation helps to:

• Clearly define what is protected.
• Reduce the risk of disputes.
• Facilitate enforcement actions against infringers.
• Strengthen the value of a company’s intangible assets.

The reform moves in precisely this direction: enabling design protection to reflect today’s commercial and technological realities more accurately.

What opportunities does this reform create for businesses?

Companies developing innovative products are likely to benefit the most from these changes.

The reform is particularly relevant for businesses working with:

• Complex product designs.
• Software and digital applications.
• Graphical user interfaces.
• Video games.
• Connected products.
• Immersive digital experiences.
• Animations and dynamic visual elements.

In each of these cases, the increased flexibility supports more effective protection strategies that better reflect the true nature of the product.

The key is no longer just registering a design, but registering it correctly

The European design reform represents an important step towards a more modern system aligned with market needs. However, having more tools also means making better decisions.

Choosing between static images, 3D models, or animations—and determining which views should be included—can significantly influence the scope of the protection ultimately obtained.

For this reason, before filing an application, it is essential to analyse which aspects of the design create value and identify the most appropriate way to represent them.

Considering registering a design?

If you would like to take advantage of the new opportunities created by the European design reform and develop an effective protection strategy for your product, PADIMA can help you identify the most suitable approach to protect its appearance and maximise the value of your industrial property assets.