Consultation to improve UK designs system
Have your say on proposals to simplify and strengthen the UK designs framework, and improve design protection for businesses.
Share views on improving the UK designs framework
The government has opened a consultation on proposals to simplify and strengthen the UK designs system, making it easier for designers and businesses to protect their work.
The consultation seeks views on:
- improving the registered designs system
- simplifying unregistered designs
- recognising supplementary unregistered designs after EU Exit
- enforcement, including sanctions and access to the small claims track
- smaller changes to streamline the system
Designs are an important part of the economy, contributing £97.4 billion GVA in 2019 and supporting over 80,000 UK businesses, most of them microbusinesses. Stakeholder feedback shows that the system is often complex, with small businesses struggling to protect their intellectual assets. Issues also include abuse of registrations and areas of law that could be simplified.
The consultation is open to designers, design businesses, legal professionals and anyone with an interest in designs. You can answer all or only the relevant questions.
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 27 November 2025.
Find more information, and respond to the consultation on the changes to the UK design framework.
The government will use your feedback to shape future policy and legislation, and will publish a summary of responses and next steps on GOV.UK website.
First published 9 September 2025