The federal government has adopted a draft law to modernise design rights. The Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday that the design law should be brought up to date with current technology. The goal is to make design‑protection procedures more efficient and user‑friendly, and to expressly recognize new design forms while simplifying their registration.
The draft proposes incorporating digital designs-such as dynamic and animated designs-into the design act. It also seeks to prohibit preparatory steps for infringing 3D‑printed designs and to strengthen protection against product piracy during transit through Germany. Designers will be able to mark their works with their own symbol.
An adjustment to the repair clause for the spare‑parts market is also planned, with the aim of liberalising the market across Europe. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office will be relieved of unnecessary bureaucracy by removing unused procedures. The draft law will implement the European design directive into German law on a one‑to‑one basis.
