May 2026
Brands and Advertising
UK IPO issues Designs Practice Notice 01/26 on digital designs
On 22 April 2026, the UK IPO issued Designs Practice Notice 01/26 on protecting digital designs, including GUIs, webpages and graphic symbols or icons, to clarify its examination practice following increased filing volumes.
The Notice takes immediate effect and states that a person inspecting the register must be able to determine clearly, easily and unambiguously the overall impression shown by the design.
The UK IPO explains how it will examine both static and moving digital designs, including what representations may and may not be accepted, and provides examples of depicting animation through multiple views and sequences of images to show movement.
The Notice indicates that applicants may submit up to 12 views in the online form to show the progression of an animation.
The notice addresses written disclaimers, stating that they are acceptable where they are clear, understandable and match the submitted representations, and that an objection may be raised where detailed interpretation is required to assess the design.
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency reports on stronger anti-counterfeiting enforcement
On 8 May 2026, the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency reported on increased enforcement actions in India against counterfeit goods across pharmaceuticals, luxury products, electronics, automotive parts and fast-moving consumer goods.
The update describes raids coordinated with brand owners and a more structured approach using intelligence gathering, surveillance and multi-agency collaboration, including simultaneous raids across multiple locations to disrupt supply chains.
It notes large-scale seizures and cites the Trade Marks Act 1999, including criminal prosecution and penalties and civil injunctions and damages, with additional support from the Information Technology Act and the Consumer Protection Act for online infringements.
European Commission launches call for evidence on review of EU copyright rules
On 18 May 2026, the European Commission launched a call for evidence on targeted measures to modernise the EU copyright framework and on the practical impact and effectiveness of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market 2019.
The Commission will assess whether and how the 2019 Directive facilitated use of copyright-protected content in the digital environment, improved licensing practices, and fostered a fairer copyright marketplace. The review will be supported by an external study, and a stakeholder survey is ongoing.
The Commission is also seeking views on generative AI-related licensing and enforcement challenges, online piracy of live events, remuneration of performers and producers for recorded music played in the EU, and access to and re-use of works for research purposes.
The call for evidence is open to contributions until 25 June 2026 and covers both the review of the 2019 Directive and a potential targeted legislative initiative on copyright.
