New EU Design Law Enters Into Force on May 1, 2025
30 April 2025
As of May 1, 2025, the first phase of the EU Design Legislative Reform Package comes into force. This regulation marks a significant step forward in modernizing how design rights are protected across the EU.
Key updates include:
A new name and logo for registered Community designs
A revised fee structure
The ability to file multiple designs across product classes
Improved enforcement, especially around 3D printing
A permanent repair clause enhancing legal certainty
These changes are designed to make design protection more practical, accessible, and robust in today's innovation-driven economy.
De Clercq & Partners has once again been recognised in the IAM Patent 1000
We are proud to announce that De Clercq & Partners has once again been recognised in theIAMPatent 1000 2026, one of the leading international rankings for patent professionals and firms.
Moldova to become the 40th EPC contracting state on 1 June 2026
On 1 June 2026, the European Patent Organisation (EPO) will grow to 40 contracting states with the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Patent Convention (EPC).
Update on the G1/25 Enlarged Board of Appeal referral on description amendments
January 30 marked the deadline set by the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) to file written statements regarding referral G1/25. This deadline concerned the parties to the proceedings, third parties not taking part in the proceedings (also known as amicus curiae) and the President of the European Patent Office (EPO). You can read the background information relating to the G1/25 referral in our article of August 5, 2025 here.
These editions will take effect on April 1, 2026. Simultaneously, the EPO opened its annual public consultation and will accept feedback until April 3, 2026. The SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines will review the contributions at its May 12, 2026 meeting and consider them for the 2027 revision cycle.
