Phase 2 of the EU design reform applies from today, 1 July 2026: EU design applications can now show a design through up to 10 static views, a 3D model file (OBJ or STL) or a video (MP4), which makes it practical to protect animations, transitions, interfaces and other non-physical products. The EUIPO confirmed that the new legal framework is fully applicable. Technology companies, game and app developers and product brands should review how they prepare design applications from now on.
Key takeaways
- Three instruments now apply together: the codified EU Design Regulation (2026/715), a delegated regulation (2026/137) and an implementing regulation (2026/138).
- A design can be represented statically (up to 10 views), dynamically (one OBJ or STL file) or as an animation (one MP4 file), but only one type per design.
- A neutral background and image quality are no longer filing date requirements if the design is clearly identifiable.
- Dynamic and animated filings may not be recognised as a priority basis outside the EU.
- Fast Track remains limited to static views.
What does the EU design reform change in July 2026?
The reform started with Regulation (EU) 2024/2822, which has applied since 1 May 2025 and, among other things, broadened the definition of “design” to include “the movement, transition or any other sort of animation” of a product’s features, and the definition of “product” to cover items that materialise in a non-physical form. What was missing were the procedural rules to file such designs. They arrive now.
In its news release of 1 July 2026, the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) confirms that the framework is fully applicable and operational. It comprises the codified EU Design Regulation 2026/715 (EUDR), Delegated Regulation 2026/137 and Implementing Regulation 2026/138, both published on 19 March 2026 and applicable from today. Article 2 of the implementing regulation allows a design to be represented statically, dynamically or as an animation, using drawings, photographs, videos, computer imaging or computer modelling.
New ways to represent an EU design
The technical details are set by EUIPO Executive Director Decision EX-26-03 of 1 June 2026, summarised on the EUIPO’s design representation page:
| Type of representation | Format | Limit per design | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static | JPEG views, up to 2 MB each | Up to 10 views | Physical products, packaging, logos, patterns |
| Dynamic | 3D model in OBJ or STL, up to 20 MB | One file | Products best shown from all angles |
| Animated | Video in MP4, up to 20 MB | One file | Interface transitions, animated icons, moving products |
A design must use only one type of representation: static views cannot be combined with a video. Any matter for which protection is not sought must be shown with visual disclaimers, such as broken lines, colour shading, boundaries or blurring, applied consistently across all views. As the EUIPO puts it, only the features visible in the application are protected.
Which companies benefit most?
- Software and app developers: graphical user interfaces, animated icons and screen transitions, which the definition of product now expressly covers.
- Game and digital fashion businesses: virtual products that materialise only in non-physical form.
- Retail and hospitality brands: spatial arrangements forming an interior or exterior environment, such as a store layout.
- Manufacturers using 3D printing: the reform extends design rights to creating, downloading, copying or sharing files that record a design for manufacturing.
What this means for your business
- Decide the format per design before drafting: a static set of views, a 3D model or a video. The representation defines the scope of protection.
- Consider filing static and animated versions as separate designs where both matter, for example within a multiple application of up to 50 designs.
- Prepare visual disclaimers for what you do not want to protect, and apply them consistently.
- Check priority before filing. The EUIPO warns that jurisdictions outside the EU may not recognise dynamic or animated designs, which matters if the EU filing is the basis for Hague or national filings in Latin America or Africa.
- If speed matters, remember that Fast Track requires static views only.
Our team for EU and international design protection can help you choose formats and align the EU filing with the rest of your markets. For interfaces and digital products, we also work with our digital assets team.
Where companies get the new formats wrong
- Filing a video that shows too much. Everything visible may be read as part of the design unless it is disclaimed.
- Assuming the EU filing will work everywhere: priority claims abroad may fail if the other office does not accept animated representations.
- Exceeding file limits or naming rules, which delays the application.
- Relying on old internal templates built for seven static views.
Frequently asked questions
Can I protect an animated user interface as an EU design from July 2026?
Yes. The definition of design has included movement, transition and animation since 1 May 2025, and from 1 July 2026 an application can include an animated representation as a single MP4 file of up to 20 MB. The design must be shown using only that type of representation, with disclaimers for any features not claimed.
How many views can an EU design application include now?
Up to 10 static views per design, each JPEG of up to 2 MB, under EUIPO Decision EX-26-03 of 1 June 2026. Alternatively, a design can be represented by one dynamic file in OBJ or STL format or one animated MP4 file, each of up to 20 MB.
Will a 3D or video design filed at the EUIPO support priority abroad?
Not necessarily. The EUIPO itself warns that jurisdictions outside the EU may not recognise dynamic or animated designs for priority purposes. If the EU application will be the first filing for Hague or national filings elsewhere, check each target office before choosing the format.
Can IP Global Guard prepare EU design applications in the new formats?
Yes. We prepare and coordinate EU design applications before the EUIPO, directly where our professionals are entitled and through qualified representatives otherwise, and align them with Hague and national filings across Europe, Latin America and Africa from one point of contact.
How IP Global Guard can help you use the new rules
The new formats open protection for products that were hard to register before, but they reward careful preparation. IP Global Guard, the IP services line of META Channel Corporation Limited, coordinates design protection in more than 25 jurisdictions; see our coverage across Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Tell us which products, interfaces or animations you want to protect and in which markets, and we will propose the representation and filing route for each. Contact our design team.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the position on its publication date.
Sources
- EUIPO, The modernised EU design legal framework is now fully applicable (1 July 2026)
- Regulation (EU) 2026/715 on European Union designs (codification), OJ L of 30 March 2026
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/137, OJ L of 19 March 2026
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/138, OJ L of 19 March 2026
- Regulation (EU) 2024/2822, OJ L of 18 November 2024
- EUIPO, Design representation (Decision EX-26-03 of 1 June 2026)
- EUIPO, Fast Track conditions for designs
