Sample Submission Guidelines in EU Community Design

Specimens

If the EU Community Design Application involves a two-dimensional design and includes a deferral request, images or photographs of the design can be replaced with a specimen. Typically, a specimen is a sample piece of material like textiles, wallpaper, lace, leather, etc.

The specimen must not exceed 26.2cm x 17cm in size, weigh more than 50 grams, or be thicker than 3 mm. Five copies of each specimen must be submitted; for multiple designs, five copies per design are required.

Both the application and specimens must be delivered by mail or courier simultaneously. The filing date won't be determined until both are received by the office.

In principle, specimens will be archived indefinitely. If the design images have been replaced by a specimen, the applicant must submit graphic or photographic copies of the design no later than 3 months before the end of the 30-month deferral period, or 3 months prior to the publication date at the latest. If the applicant fails to submit these copies, EUIPO will issue a correction notice. If uncorrected, the design will be considered non-existent from the outset.