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The Economic Review of Industrial Design in Europe

06 June 2016

(From ec.europa.eu)

This report was commissioned in the framework of an evaluation of the overall functioning of the design protection systems in Europe.

The Economic Review of Industrial Design in Europe provides information on the general characteristics of design-intensive industries in Europe, on the type of IPR being used to protect designs and on the economic rationale behind using some IPRs more often than others.

It also looks at factors that determine when industrial design protection in the strict sense is sought, and assesses whether the existing legal framework fulfils its objectives, i.e. constitutes an economically effective tool that facilitates design activities.

The study touched upon the economic consequences of the non-harmonisation of the rules governing spare parts design protection in Europe, as well as the latest developments related to design protection, e.g. 3D printing.

It was presented at the beginning of 2015.

As part of the evaluation on the functioning of design protection in the Europe, a legal review was also undertaken. 

Both the findings of the economic and legal reviews will feed into an overall evaluation of design protection in the EU.

The information and views set out in this study are those of the authors. They do not reflect the official opinion of the Commission and are not binding upon the Commission.