EUIPO conference: Design reforms coming after 2022 summer break

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

EUIPO conference: Design reforms coming after 2022 summer break

EUIPO office, Alicante

Ivan Jančárek, the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Spain, revealed the timeline for proposed reforms during the opening of an EUIPO conference in Alicante

The EU will publish proposals to modernise the bloc’s design regulations after the summer break “at the latest”, said the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Spain during his opening address at the IP Case Law Conference today, July 7.

Attended live by Managing IP, the two-day conference is being held at the headquarters of the EUIPO Boards of Appeal in Alicante, Spain, and covers a range of topics, including EU General Court litigation and sustainability and trademarks.

Ambassador Ivan Jančárek, who is based in Madrid and joined via a livestream, revealed the Czech Republic’s two main priorities during the country’s presidency of the European Council. The post began on July 1, just six days ago, and ends on December 31 2022.

The first goal is to implement a new system for non-agricultural geographical indications, Jančárek said. The European Commission announced the project in April, in what will be a first for craft and industrial products.

Jančárek said GIs are often important for local identity, job creation and competitiveness, and that an effective and transparent system will promote recognition of EU GIs worldwide.

He then told the audience that the “time has come” to modernise the EU’s design regulations and improve the availability of protection amid the transition to a digital and green economy.

“Design systems work well but there is room for improvement,” he said, announcing that the proposal will be published by the end of the summer, if not before.

“I hope we will be up to the task,” he added.

Jančárek’s address followed welcoming remarks from João Negrão, president of the Boards of Appeal, and Christian Archambeau, the EUIPO’s executive director.

Managing IP will be interviewing Archambeau in person tomorrow, July 8, and bringing more live coverage from the event.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Counsel explain how the USPTO’s decision to discretionarily deny institution of a PTAB case affects their advice to clients
The Life Sciences Awards announces the winners for the 6th annual awards
The UPC’s plans to roll out its new Case Management System and a setback for TikTok in India were also among the top talking points
Trademark specialist Jonathan Thomas says he’s excited to introduce his clients to other areas of Greenberg Traurig’s practice
Counsel at firms responsible for managing the highest number of registered trademarks explain the secrets behind staying organised and keeping the work flowing in
Attorneys explain what stakeholders should know about Patent Term Adjustments in Brazil, more than three years after a landmark Brazilian Supreme Court ruling
New categories have been added to reflect a changing legal and social landscape
Three sources explain why a notification by Nanjing’s IP centre in China banning AI use in patent drafting is too broad and could be difficult to enforce
Sheppard Mullin’s latest hires explain why the firm's industry expertise impressed them
Elizabeth Godfrey explains why she doesn’t believe in a ‘salesperson’ approach to BD, and reveals how AI is playing an important role at Davies Collison Cave
Gift this article