Applications for registered Community designs (RCDs) may be filed either directly to OHIM or at national industrial property offices.
To apply for your registration you can use our online service (e-filing) which will allow you to:
- receive real-time confirmation
- benefit from online verification to assure error-free filing and secure your filing date
- speed up entry into the registration process
- be able to recall your contact details for subsequent applications.
- You can also file a paper application form.
If you are unable to file an online application via e-filing, it is also possible to make a paper application.
If you want practical information on how to file and how the design should be presented see the Quick Guide to Designs in the OHIMs SME section.
For full details of the various filing options and detailled legal information for RCDs see the section of designs on the OHIM website.
There are three types of fees related to an application for a registered Community design (RCD): registration, publication and deferment fees. The amount of fees to be paid depends on two factors:
- whether the application contains one or more designs
- whether the publication of designs will be deferred or not
The fee structure for designs is as follows:
- a basic fee for a single design or the first design of a multiple application
- a reduced fee for the 2nd to 10th design
- a further reduced fee per design from the 11th design onwards.
In the case of a single application (one design) where no request for deferment is made, the applicant will need to pay a registration fee of €230 and a publication fee of €120, which totals €350.
If deferment is requested, the applicant will pay the deferment fee of €40 upon filing with the publication fee to be paid by the end of the period of deferment.
Our handy RCD fee calculator will help you to determine the cost before you start.
OHIM’s website includes a wide range of explanations and demonstrations that can help guide users through the process of getting a registered Community design (RCD). You may find the links below particularly useful.
A registered Community design (RCD) is valid for five years from the date of filing of the application. It can be renewed up to four times, each time for five years, giving a total period of protection of 25 years.
For further details see the renewal page on the OHIM website.