EU Design Law Reform 2026: What Phase II Brings and How It Affects Serbian Companies
Introduction: The Biggest EU Design Law Reform in Two Decades
On 1 July 2026, Phase II of the EU design law reform entered into force – the most significant change to this legal framework since 2002. This reform, implemented by Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 and accompanying delegated regulations, introduces revolutionary changes to the way design rights are registered, protected, and enforced in the EU. For Serbian companies operating in design, fashion, IT, engineering, and consumer products, these are changes that directly impact business strategy.
What Changed from 1 July 2026?
EU Design Law Reform introduces a range of concrete innovations that transform everyday design protection practice.
The most important changes are as follows:
- New representation formats: The EUIPO now accepts dynamic 3D representations (OBJ and STL files up to 20 MB) and animated views (MP4 up to 20 MB), alongside classic static JPEG images. This is particularly important for digital products, applications, animated interfaces, and manufacturing design.
- Expanded scope of protection: The maximum number of views for a static design has been increased from seven to ten, while protection now also covers animated and moving designs – opening the door to protecting digital and software design elements.
- Electronic communication: All communications and notifications with the EUIPO are now conducted exclusively electronically. Applicants and representatives must pay particular attention to account management and deadline tracking.
- Changes to invalidity proceedings: Requests for invalidity must now be thoroughly reasoned, with a precise statement of facts, evidence, and arguments. Suspension of proceedings for up to two years has also been introduced.
Fee Changes from May 2025 (Phase I) – A Reminder
Prior to Phase II, from 1 May 2025 (Phase I), fee changes were already introduced: the basic fee for registering an EU design is EUR 350 for a single design; each additional design in the same application costs EUR 125. Renewal fees have been significantly increased: the period from years 6 to 10 will cost EUR 150 (previously EUR 90), the period from years 11 to 15 will cost EUR 250 (previously EUR 120), and the period from years 21 to 25 will cost EUR 700 (previously EUR 180). A welcome development is the elimination of the fee for transfer of ownership, which previously stood at EUR 200.
Serbia and EU Design Law: Direct Application and Strategic Opportunities
Serbia is not directly covered by the EU Design Regulation, but its Law on Industrial Designs is aligned with key EU principles. Serbian companies wishing to protect their designs in the EU market can do so by registering a Registered Community Design (RCD) with the EUIPO in Alicante. This registration grants protection across all 27 EU Member States, and the new Phase II rules apply to them as well.
Particularly relevant for Serbian companies across different sectors:
- IT and software companies: New rules on animated design and protection of user interfaces (UI/UX) open an entirely new category of IP protection for digital products. Companies developing mobile applications, SaaS platforms, or interactive interfaces should consider design registration.
- Fashion and textile industry: Serbia has a strong tradition in this sector. EU design registration provides five-year protection (renewable up to 25 years) across the entire EU market – with the option to defer publication for up to 30 months to preserve business secrets.
- 3D printing and additive manufacturing: New rules explicitly regulate design protection in the context of 3D printing – creating, downloading, or sharing files embodying a protected design can now constitute infringement.
Recommendations for Serbian Companies
In light of these changes, we recommend the following actions: a design portfolio audit – review whether your existing designs in Serbia and the EU meet the new requirements and whether there are designs worth registering with EUIPO; prepare for digital formats – if you use 3D modelling or animated design, take advantage of the new opportunity to protect these formats; and monitor deadlines electronically – since 1 July 2026 all communications are digital, making an efficient tracking system essential to avoid missed deadlines.
Conclusion
The 2026 EU design law reform is not merely a technical legislative update – it reflects the new reality of the digital world in which visual identity and innovative design carry ever-greater economic value. Serbian companies that recognise these changes early and adapt their IP strategy will enjoy a significant competitive advantage in the EU market. Consulting a specialised intellectual property lawyer is key to correct positioning in this new legal environment.
Follow for more legal insights:
