As detailed in our article Revamping designs: Changes to the EU design framework, EU design protection is being simplified and modernised with many of the changes taking effect from 1 May 2025. Among them is an increase in the fees for renewing registered EU designs (currently known as Community Registered Designs).
The fees are set out below. For designs in their third or fourth period of renewal, the increase in renewal fees is particularly significant (nearly quadruple for the fourth period). The rationale for this is to ensure that only designs that are used remain on the register.
| Renewal Period |
Fee (before 1 May 2025) |
Fee (on or after 1 May 2025) |
| First period (five years after filing) |
€90 per design |
€150 per design |
| Second period (10 years after filing) |
€120 per design |
€250 per design |
| Third period (15 years after filing) |
€150 per design |
€400 per design |
| Fourth period (20 years after filing) |
€180 per design |
€700 per design |
For some EU registered designs due for renewal in 2025, it will therefore be cost-effective to renew the design before 1 May 2025 and benefit from the lower renewal fees before the rise takes effect.
Under the current system, an EU design expires on the last day of the month that its renewal is due. It can be renewed in the six-month window preceding this. Under the new system, the expiry date of registration will be the renewal date (i.e., it will no longer extend to the end of the month), and the renewal window will open six months prior. The new system and calculation of dates will be used for designs with a renewal period that starts on 1 May 2025 (i.e., designs that expire from 1 October 2025 onwards).
This means that registered EU designs that are due to expire on or before 30 September 2025 and that are renewed before 1 May 2025 can benefit from the lower renewal fees.
Designs that are due to expire after 30 September 2025 will no longer be in the six-month renewal window on 30 April 2025, and will therefore be subject to the new rates from 1 May 2025.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has confirmed that, where possible, design owners can choose to renew their design before or after the new rules start, to benefit from the most advantageous fee. Further information can be found on the EUIPO website: Design renewals following the EU Design Reform: What to know.
If you would like further information or assistance with the renewal of registered EU designs, please contact Sally Britton.