The UK IPO issues new Designs Practice Notice
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has issued new guidance on protecting digital designs, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs), webpages and graphic symbols/icons.
Following a rise in applications for these types of designs, the UK IPO has published its first Designs Practice Notice (DPN) since 2024, aiming to clarify its examination practice in this area.
DPN 01/26, which takes immediate effect, sets out the key principles for registration, stating: “A person inspecting the register must be able to work out clearly, easily, and unambiguously, what the overall impression shown by the design is.”
The guidance explains how both static and moving designs will be examined, including what may and may not be accepted. It also provides practical examples of representing animation through multiple views, and confirms how sequences of images may be used to depict movement.
Applicants are encouraged to use as many views as possible within the online form (up to a maximum of 12) to clearly show the progression of an animation.
The DPN also highlights the role that written disclaimers may play in defining the scope of protection. Disclaimers are acceptable provided they are clear, understandable and correspond to the representations submitted. However, if a detailed level of interpretation is required to assess the design, an objection maybe raised.
Find out more about the Designs Practice Notice (DPN) 01/26 here.