EU Intellectual Property Reforms: A New Era for Innovation and Design Protection
The European Union (EU) has entered into a comprehensive reform process as of 2023 in order to align intellectual property rights with digitalization, innovation and global competition, and has focused on increasing the protection of intellectual rights with its regulations. Detailed information about the new regulations within this scope will be provided below. Regarding Design Protection; The EU is taking steps towards new regulations that aim to renew the design protection laws that have been in effect for over 20 years and transform them into a more contemporary and digitally focused structure. These regulations, which are expected to come into force by the end of 2025, aim to expand the definition of design to include “non-physical” products, as well as granting applicants the right to postpone the publication of their designs for up to 30 months, simplifying the objection processes and allowing applications to be made through administrative channels instead of courts, making...