Survey launched to shape future of UK design protection

Designers and businesses urged to respond by April 1 to help shape the future of UK design IP protection

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has today launched a new survey as part of the government’s review of the UK’s design system. It is inviting responses by April 1.

The design sector contributes nearly £100bn GVA a year to the UK economy. The government is reviewing the UK designs framework to ensure it remains fit for the future, making it easier to access and use and easier to enforce IP rights. 

The survey explores the principles that should shape the future of the UK’s design system and seeks views from anyone with an interest in designs.

The UKIPO has identified five key principles that it thinks are relevant to the design protection system. It wants to understand what designers, users, and other interested parties think about them. This will help ensure the review is guided by the right priorities.

These five principles are:

• Cost – the system should offer value for money
• Validity – the system should provide the appropriate level of validity and clarity about the existence of IP rights
• Speed – design protection should be quick to obtain and enforce
• Choice – the system should provide choice for designers
• Simplicity – the system should be as simple as possible.

The UKIPO is keen to know which of these principles are most important to users and why. 

The survey also explores what people think should be protected as a design. The term “design” has a narrower definition in intellectual property law than in everyday language. IP protects the visual appearance of a product or elements of a product. Currently, a design can only be protected if it is visible in normal use, for example, the components under a car bonnet cannot be protected as designs.

The UKIPO would like to know whether users think that the scope of what can be protected meets the needs of designers, consumers, and society. 

This short survey will inform options for potential changes to the UK designs framework in a formal technical consultation planned for later in 2025.

Chris Mills, UKIPO’s Director of Rights Policy, said: “The UKIPO is reviewing the UK’s designs framework to make sure it is fit for the future and supports designs businesses of all sizes.

“Great design is at the heart of successful UK products and businesses, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive global marketplace and driving growth in our economy. We have published a new design protection survey and want to hear from everyone who has a stake in the UK’s thriving design economy – whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, trade body, or simply interested in design.

“You don’t need to be an IP expert to take part in our design protection survey and share your views with us. Your experience and insights will help us ensure our designs framework remains modern, accessible, and fit for the digital age. I strongly encourage everyone to contribute before April 1 and help shape the future of design protection in the UK.”

The UKIPO particularly welcomes responses from businesses of all sizes across all sectors using design protection, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporates, as well as trade bodies and legal professionals.

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