Registered Community Design

A registered community design gives the proprietor a single registration, which is valid in all 27 countries of the European Union.  The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) began accepting applications for Registered Community Designs on 1 January 2003.  These were deemed to have a filing date of 1 April 2003, when the Community Design came into effect.  Community Designs are protected for a period of five years. They can then be renewed four times giving a maximum life of 25 years of protection. 

An applicant for a Registered Community Design (RCD) must apply directly to the EUIPO.  The filing date will be the date of receipt at the EUIPO.  All fees must be paid directly to the EUIPO.

All details relating to the Community Design Registration System, including the application process, fees and methods of payment may be obtained directly from the EUIPO website.