The EUIPO has just dropped an interesting update — they’ve officially announced the application window for the EUIPO Design Awards 2026 through a new press release. The organisation has laid out everything applicants need to know, from deadlines to eligibility details, giving designers and companies plenty of time to prepare their submissions. Keep reading, and know more about the announcement and DesignEuropa awards. You’ll also learn more latest IP news from India and around the world.
When Did EUIPO Release the EUIPO Design Awards 2026 Announcement and What Are the Key Details?
Before we get into who this announcement really matters for, let’s take a quick look at what the EUIPO actually shared in its latest press release. On 10 November 2025, the EUIPO officially opened applications for the 2026 DesignEuropa Awards, which will be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The release spells out everything applicants need to know. Anyone from researchers and designers to entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and even large companies can apply—as long as they have a valid registered EU design and can show how they’ve used it in a meaningful, commercial, or strategic way.
The awards are open across four categories:
- Entrepreneurs and Small Companies Award, recognising innovative designs from new or smaller businesses;
- Industry Award, for impactful designs created by medium and large companies;
- Next-Generation Design Award, open to young designers aged up to 29 who bring fresh, creative ideas; and
- Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating designers who’ve made major, long-term contributions to the design world.
According to the press release, applications are open from 10 November 2025 to 20 February 2026, and submissions will be judged on design quality, usability, innovation, sustainability, market impact, and how effectively the EU registered design system has been used.
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What Makes the DesignEuropa Awards Significant?
These awards highlight just how powerful good design can be when it’s backed by proper protection through a registered EU design. By celebrating designers and businesses that make smart use of design protection, the awards deliver a clear message: design isn’t just about looking good — it’s about strategy, impact, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Anyone working in design should consider applying because the DesignEuropa Awards offer a rare chance to gain international recognition and shine a spotlight on your work. Winning or even being shortlisted can boost your credibility, open new business opportunities, and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Looking back at the previous edition, the winners show exactly what this award stands for. The Entrepreneurs and Small Companies Award was given to Overade from France. The Industry Award was picked up by Polish company Ciarko for its sleek and eco-friendly MONO kitchen extractor hood. The Next-Generation Design Award was awarded to young Romanian designer David Borović, praised for his fresh, sustainable design thinking. And the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to renowned Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, honoured for her decades of influential, human-centered work in materials and color.
Conclusion
If you’re a designer or a business that cares about how your products look and work, applying for the DesignEuropa Awards is honestly a no-brainer. It’s a chance to get your work noticed far beyond your usual circle and show the world what makes your design stand out. These awards can seriously boost your visibility, build your reputation, and even attract new clients, investors, or collaborations. Plus, it’s a great way to show that you’re not just creating cool designs — you’re protecting them and using them strategically. So if you’ve got a design you’re proud of, this is the perfect moment to put it out there and let it shine.
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