Formal requirements for a EU design registration

Formal requirements for a EU design registration

Registration of an industrial design at the EUIPO (the European Union Intellectual Property Office) is an effective way to protect the appearance of a product across the entire European Union. To ensure a smooth process, certain formal requirements must be met, including preparing appropriate graphic files. Below are the key principles for submitting an industrial design application and the graphic file requirements.

Formal requirements for a European design registration at the EUIPO

• Filing an application for registration (online form or paper).
• Providing the applicant’s data (individual or legal entity).
• Clearly presenting the industrial design through drawings or photographs.
• Indicating the products to which the design will be applied, preferably using the Locarno classification system.
• Paying the application fee within one month of filing.
• Indicating the designer(s) of the design, unless they have waived the right to be named.
• Optionally, requesting priority based on an earlier filing or requesting publication deferment (with additional fees).

Graphic file requirements for a EU design registration

Representation of the design is crucial as only what is shown in the images or photographs will be protected.

• File format: JPG (JPEG).
• Resolution: minimum 72 dpi; 300 dpi is recommended for high quality.
• Maximum file size: 2 MB per image.
• Background: solid, preferably white or neutral.
• No additional elements allowed – no descriptions, numbers, frames, logos, watermarks, or other markings on the images.
• Number of views: from 1 to 7 views (e.g., front, back, side, top, bottom, perspective), preferably in the same technique (all drawings or all photos).
• No description is required; only the visible elements in the images count.

Additional tips for the design presentation

• All views must consistently represent the same design version.
• Images must clearly show the features of the design to be protected.
• Registered industrial design protection covers only the visual appearance of the product – technical features and functional aspects are not protected.

Is the designer’s name required?

• The application must include the designer’s name(s). If there are multiple designers, all should be listed.
• The designer has the right to be named but can waive this right.
• Naming the designer is mandatory unless the designer has formally waived the right to be named, ideally with written confirmation.
• Before filing, the applicant (e.g., company) must have obtained the right to register the design from the designer(s).

Support from an Intellectual Property attorney

• An intellectual property attorney can provide strategic advice on the scope and territory of design protection.
• They help prepare the application properly, including the graphic representations, minimizing the risk of rejection or delays.
• They can represent the applicant before the Polish Patent Office, the EUIPO, or the IB of WIPO, managing communications and formal requirements on the applicant’s behalf.

Summary

To successfully register a design with EUIPO, prepare a complete set of documents and high-quality JPG images showing the design from various angles. The protection covers only what appears in these images, so clear and professional presentation is vital. Proper preparation and possibly the help of an intellectual property attorney increase the chance of strong protection across the European Union.

If you need assistance with a European design registration, feel free to contact us for professional support.