The short answer
The UK Government has answered its consultation on design reform. It will give the UK IPO targeted search and examination powers, extend deferment from 12 to 30 months, and make protection for animated designs and screen interfaces (GUIs) clearer. It has rejected a two-stage examination system and will not legislate for computer-generated designs yet. No dates are given: primary legislation is still needed.
What the Government decided
The response, reported by Marks & Clerk on 5 November 2026, adopts some targeted reforms, leaves other areas unchanged and keeps some questions under review.
| Topic | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Two-stage registration and examination | Rejected: cost, complexity and delayed enforcement |
| Search and examination by the UK IPO | Targeted powers in selected cases |
| Deferment of publication | Extended from 12 to 30 months |
| GUIs and animated designs | Law to be updated; Designs Practice Notice 1/26 already published |
| Computer-generated designs | No legislation for now; monitoring continues |
| Fast-track invalidation | To be considered further |
| Physical specimens | Provision to be removed |
| WIPO Digital Access Service | The UK IPO will join |
Targeted search and examination
Registered designs in the UK are cheap and quick because they are not examined for novelty. That will stay. The UK IPO will, however, get powers to run targeted searches and examinations in selected cases.
- Re-filings of designs that were already invalidated
- Generic products
- Filings that may be anti-competitive or in bad faith
A fast-track invalidation process is still being considered. A formal third-party observation or opposition route was not taken forward, according to a second summary of the response.
Deferment: 12 to 30 months
Deferment lets an applicant delay publication of a registered design. The period will run to 30 months from the earlier of the filing date or the priority date. This matches the EU regime and the maximum under the Hague System, and will also apply to Hague applications that designate the UK.
Screen interfaces, icons and animation
- The UK IPO has published Designs Practice Notice 1/26 on how it examines GUIs, icons and animated designs
- The Government will legislate so that animation and transitional effects are protected more clearly
- It will consider matching recent EU design reforms
- Video and 3D file formats may be accepted as part of the IPO digital programme, but this is not confirmed
- Optional design descriptions, filed but not published today, will be made public in due course
Marks & Clerk calls the delay on video and 3D formats disappointing, because the EUIPO already accepts them.
Computer-generated designs and unregistered rights
The Government found too little evidence to justify new rules. There will be no special provision for AI-generated designs and no new ownership regime, but developments will be monitored. Qualification rules for unregistered rights do not change, and there is no immediate reform of the overlap between copyright and design rights.
The post-Brexit first-disclosure problem also remains: the Government found no simple domestic fix. Plan disclosures carefully if you want unregistered protection in both the UK and the EU.
What this means for applicants
- Registration stays low cost and fast, but doubtful filings will face more scrutiny
- Apps, icons and animated products should get clearer protection once the law changes
- Longer deferment gives more time to decide where to file and when to publish
- Priority claims may be simpler through the WIPO Digital Access Service
- Physical specimens will no longer be accepted
There is no implementation date. Primary legislation and detailed rules still have to be written, so keep filing under the current rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is UK design registration getting an examination?
Not a full one. The Government rejected a two-stage registration and examination system. The UK IPO will only run targeted searches and examinations in selected cases.
When does the 30-month deferment start?
The announced rule is 30 months from the earlier of the filing date or the priority date. The response gives no start date for the change.
Will AI-generated designs be protected?
No new provision is planned for now. The Government will keep monitoring developments.
Does this affect applications from Bangladesh?
Yes, if you file a UK design directly or through the Hague System. Deferment and GUI protection would apply to such filings once the law changes.
Planning a UK or international design filing?
The SUPREMEiP® team can advise on UK, EU and Hague design filings.
