The recent reform of the European Union’s Industrial Designs Law is having a tangible impact on the market. Since its partial entry into force in May 2025, the data shows a clear trend: companies are increasingly turning to the European system to protect their designs, which is now perceived as a tool that is better suited to today’s technological and commercial reality.
According to the EUIPO, 130,849 design applications were registered in 2025, an increase of 6% over 2024 and the second consecutive year with record figures. The response comes from both European companies and international firms that perceive a more operational, direct framework that is better suited to the pace of innovation.
For those of us who work in intellectual property, this growth was a logical consequence. The reform has simplified requirements, modernised key concepts and broadened the scope of what can be registered. Design is no longer limited to the appearance of a physical object: it includes digital interfaces, animations, visual transitions and elements present in virtual environments. This recognition has contributed decisively to reinforcing the practical usefulness of the system.
One of the most relevant facts is that, for the first time, 52% of the applications registered in 2025 come from non-EU countries. This shift confirms that the European system has become a benchmark for companies seeking protection in influential markets. China’s role is noteworthy, with an 18.4% increase in applications, representing almost 30% of the total. The United Kingdom, with an increase of 17.8%, and the United States, with growth of 8.4%, also maintain a significant presence due to the strength of their technology and design industries.
Within the EU, Germany continues to lead the way in applications, in line with its prominent position in the automotive, household appliances and consumer goods sectors. Italy and Spain have a notable presence in fashion, furniture and industrial design, while France remains a leader in the fashion and luxury sectors. Poland, in turn, is consolidating its position as a major player in household appliances and consumer products.
One of the factors driving the use of the system is procedural simplification. All applications are now filed directly with the EUIPO, without going through national offices, which reduces time and paperwork. In addition, the possibility of including up to 50 designs in a single multiple application — even if they belong to different classes — has provided a significant economic incentive, which in turn is translating into a higher volume of registrations.
But the effect of this multi-class multiple application goes beyond financial savings. The reform has introduced a clear incentive for more companies to incorporate design protection into their regular launch strategies. This means that companies that previously only registered their “flagship products” can now protect entire lines, preventing imitations that erode margins and make differentiation difficult in saturated markets.
In addition, this operational facility encourages new forms of creative work: preliminary prototypes, alternative versions and minor variations can be registered preventively, allowing companies to experiment without losing control over their intellectual property. In a context where copying is almost simultaneous with the emergence of the product on social media, having a comprehensive and agile registration system becomes an essential defensive tool.
Another factor that is generating business interest is the incorporation of the Ⓓ symbol, which allows products with registered designs to be identified. This distinctive symbol helps to raise awareness of protection and is being used as part of marketing strategies in numerous sectors.
As mentioned above, one of the main pillars of the reform is the broadening of the concept of design. The explicit inclusion of graphical interfaces, animations and digital elements, as well as non-physical products present in virtual environments, is opening the door for industries related to software, video games, electronic devices and immersive experiences to protect essential aspects of their products from 2025 onwards. This is a step forward that not only brings legislation in line with the present, but also prepares the system for the business models that are already emerging.
All of this increases the need for specialised advice. Defining what is registrable, how to represent it correctly and how to articulate a coherent protection strategy is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in an environment where the speed of product dissemination makes registering before launch indispensable.
It remains to be seen how the repair clause, now mandatory in all Member States, will affect the market. This provision allows visible replacement parts—such as rear-view mirrors, bumpers, or headlights—to be manufactured and marketed without infringing design rights, provided they are used to restore the vehicle’s original appearance.
Although its objective is clear, its actual effects on the market are yet to be determined. Liberalisation opens the door for new manufacturers to enter the spare parts business, which is likely to increase competition in body parts and could lead to lower prices for consumers.
In short, the reform has had a multiplier effect: more applications, greater geographical diversity, more sectors involved and greater awareness of the commercial value of design. Protecting a design is now a strategic decision, not just an aesthetic one. It allows companies to differentiate themselves in saturated markets, avoid legal disputes and ensure a return on investment in innovation.
The new Industrial Designs Law not only updates the European system, but also broadens its scope and makes it more accessible. Data from 2025 reflects a substantial increase and greater international openness. The system is moving towards a scenario where design — whether physical, digital or virtual — can be protected more effectively, within a framework designed for the current and future needs of the sector.
Written by: Gabriel Castilla. Head of Engineering and Software | Patents and Technological Development Department, PONS IP.
