UK launches major design law consultation

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has launched a consultation on the UK designs system, seeking views on how to improve the designs system in the UK. The subject matter of the consultation is wide ranging and could significantly change how designs are protected and enforced in the UK.  Anyone with an interest in these issues is invited to engage with the consultation and share their views on the proposals by 27 November 2025.

The consultation includes topics such as allowing the UK to search and examine designs; introducing bad faith provisions; increasing the deferment period (which is currently 12 months from the filing date); graphical user interfaces and animated designs; the simplification of unregistered designs and overlap with copyright; and a call for evidence on criminal sanctions for unregistered design infringement.

The consultation is an opportunity to make it easier to protect and enforce IP rights in the UK, particularly for small and medium-sized entities (SMEs). However, particularly controversial are the discussions around introducing criminal sanctions for unregistered design infringement.

It is possible to respond to the consultation directly through following the link above.  If you would like to discuss the consultation, please contact Caroline Allen, who is involved in responding to the consultation through her role on the CIPA Designs Committee, or Alex Brown, who involved in preparing a response on behalf of INTA (International Trademark Association) through his role on the INTA Designs Committee.