On 1 July 2026, the second and most substantial phase of the European design reform entered into force (Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/138), as previously discussed in our newsletters. Below is a recap of the main updates introduced under the new framework:
As you are aware, under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 (adopted on 18 October 2023), effective from December 2025, businesses producing craft or industrial products (such as natural stones, wooden goods, jewelry, textiles, and glass) tied to tradition and geographic origin can register their Geographical Indications through a centralized procedure managed by the EUIPO
Beginning 1 September 2026, mandatory verification through the Unified System of Identification and Authentication (USIA) will take effect for all .RU, .РФ (.xn--p1ai), and .SU domain names. Domain holders must link their domains to an officially verified organization in Russia via an employee holding a verified personal USIA account.
As you know, the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program represents a key mechanism for accelerating patent prosecution before a target Patent Office by leveraging positive examination work performed by partner offices.
On 17 June 2026, the European Parliament gave its final approval to the new Regulation (2026/1388) on plants obtained through certain New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)—commonly referred to in Italy as Assisted Evolution Technologies (TEAs)—and their derived products.
