New tools for the recovery of arrears
Starting this year, the tax authorities are not limited by local jurisdiction when recovering tax arrears. At the same time, from 1 July 2025, the customs administration can use a new power in the event of an u…
Key reform of the European Union’s industrial design protection: What will change?
The European Union aims to address the challenges of the digital world. A significant step forward in this area is the adoption of a new legislative package concerning industrial designs, consisting of Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 and Directive (EU) 2024/2823. The reform aims to reflect the rapid changes in technology and digitalization by updating the existing system of industrial design protection. The new legal framework will, for example, include exemptions for spare parts, design protection in relation to 3D printing, changes to fee structures, as well as protection of intangible products.
The new legislation overall focuses on modernizing the system of industrial design protection, expanding the definition of industrial designs and products to include non-physical objects and digital interfaces. This change is essential for effective design protection in the era of digital technologies, as user interfaces and virtual environments play an increasingly significant role. Animations, movements, and transitions will also be protected, expanding design protection opportunities for digital space designers and innovators. Along with other changes, the terminology has also been updated, with the former “Community Designs” now being referred to as “European Union Designs.” This change not only harmonizes terminology with EU trademarks but also introduces a new symbol that registered EU design holders can use to mark their products. This step will contribute to better visibility and recognition of protected designs in the market.
One of the novelties is the introduction of protection against unauthorized dissemination of digital files for 3D printing. This measure responds to the growing popularity of 3D printers and the potential threats these technologies pose to design rights holders. EU design holders will now be able to protect their designs against unauthorized reproduction through 3D printing, providing them with a stronger position in the fight against counterfeiting.
For applicants, the reform simplifies the process of submitting multiple applications by abolishing the requirement for class uniformity within the Locarno classification when submitting multiple EU design applications. Up to 50 designs from different product classes can now be combined in a single application, making the registration process easier and more efficient for applicants with extensive design portfolios. The reform will also affect the fee system, especially with an increase in renewal fees, and introduce a flat fee for each additional design in a multiple application, simplifying and potentially reducing costs for applicants with larger numbers of designs.
An important part of the reform is the introduction of the so-called “repair clause.” This provision limits the protection of spare parts used for repairing complex products, such as automobiles. The objective is to liberalize the spare parts market and foster competition, potentially lowering prices for consumers. Additionally, this provision will pose a new challenge for original part manufacturers.
The implementation of the new legislation will occur gradually. The new EU Design Regulation will come into effect on May 1, 2025, with certain provisions requiring implementing legislation effective from July 1, 2026. Member states will have until December 9, 2027, to transpose the new EU Design Directive into their national legal systems.
