Designs

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

This subtopic provides an overview of design rights under EU.

The World Intellectual Property Office defines intellectual property (IP) as ‘creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; design; and symbols, names and images used in commerce’. Broadly, the aim of IP law is to cultivate an environment in which creativity and invention can flourish. Protection of IP rights means those that invest time and resource in creating and developing IP can reap benefit from their investment. By registering (where necessary), maintaining and enforcing IP rights, a rights holder can prevent people stealing or copying valuable assets.

The four most common IP rights are:

  1. •

    copyright, databases and associated rights

  2. •

    designs

  3. •

    patents, and

  4. •

    trade marks

This subtopic focuses on design rights. Design rights protect the shape, configuration or appearance of the whole or part of a product or article. A design may comprise three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article or two-dimensional features such as surface decoration, patterns or colour. To qualify for protection, a design

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest EU Law News

European banks seek changes to 'Unclear' draft AML rules

Law360, London: A trade body for European banks has warned that a EU Banking Authority proposed anti-money laundering (AML) rules make excessive demands on credit institutions.

Commission adopts Delegated Regulation amending MiFIR RTS on transparency rules to support consolidated tapes

The European Commission has adopted a Delegated Regulation amending the regulatory technical standards (RTS) laid down in Delegated Regulations (EU) 2017/583 and (EU) 2017/587 as regards transparency requirements for trading venues and investment firms in respect of bonds, structured finance products, emission allowances, and equity instruments. These amendments implement changes introduced by the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation review (MiFIR review) (Regulation (EU) 2024/791), which updates the original Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) (Regulation (EU) 600/2014). The changes aim to enhance market transparency and support the development of consolidated tapes by simplifying and harmonising pre- and post-trade transparency rules.

Council and Parliament reach provisional deal to streamline cross-border GDPR enforcement

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a new regulation to improve cross-border enforcement of the GDPR. The deal, led by the Polish presidency, harmonises rules on admissibility, complainants’ rights, and procedural deadlines, with the aim of accelerating the handling of cross-border complaints and strengthening cooperation between national data protection authorities. The agreement must now be formally adopted by both institutions before entering into force.

Commission publishes defence omnibus package, including amendments to EU chemical legislation

The Commission has published a 'defence readiness' package of proposals, aimed at accelerating defence-related investments and production across the EU.

View EU Law by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal fees, will that count as a PET against their estate?A disclaimer is the refusal of a gift prior to acceptance. The refusal of the gift must take place before the beneficiary accepts any benefit

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements[Insert addressee details]Dear [insert name][It is our understanding that [insert name of prospective employee] [was an employee of yours between the dates of [insert dates as appropriate] OR is a current employee of
Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal fees, will that count as a PET against their estate?A disclaimer is the refusal of a gift prior to acceptance. The refusal of the gift must take place before the beneficiary accepts any benefit

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements

Template for regulatory references given by SMCR firms and disclosure requirements[Insert addressee details]Dear [insert name][It is our understanding that [insert name of prospective employee] [was an employee of yours between the dates of [insert dates as appropriate] OR is a current employee of