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Colourful board game pieces

Simple and comfortable: online filing of design applications

In a nutshell

We have compiled the most important information in the Tips for your design application.

The best way to file your design application is online via DPMAdirektWeb (for applications containing up to 20 designs) or using the DPMAdirektPro software (with signature card). If you file an electronic application, you will be prompted to fill in clear on-screen forms for submitting the data required. The programme checks whether your details are complete and valid, and helps you avoid formal errors by providing guidance and checking for plausibility. Once you have submitted your application, the programme will also provide you with an electronic confirmation of receipt containing all the key information about your design application. Furthermore, an electronic application is cheaper than a paper application.

Conventional paper-based filing

If you are unable to file your design electronically, you must use the pdf-Datei form R 5703 (1,33 MB) (in German) issued by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. For a multiple application you can include up to 100 designs in one application. If you file a multiple application, you must also submit the pdf-Datei attachment sheet R5703.2 (in German).

Please note: Design applications cannot be filed by fax.

What must be contained in a design application?

The most important links concerning the design application

For your design application you need:

  • an application for registration that includes specific details about the applicant. If you wish to register more than one design (multiple application), you must also specify in the application how many designs the application includes.
  • a reproduction of the design(s) applied for that is suitable for publication, i.e., up to ten representations per design applied for (electronically in JPEG file format or on paper using the PDF reproduction form R 5703.1)
  • a product specification (a term from the product list for designs); please use our search engine for product specifications.

Detailed information is available on our website Required data and documents.


What is a "multiple application"?

various pictures of a handheld vacuum cleaner

Example: different versions of the same design in a multiple application (design numbers 402021204336-0001 to 402021204336-0003)

You can apply for the registration of several independent designs within a single design application. Such an application is referred to as a "multiple application". For example, you can depict a product in different ways (for instance, in one design in colour and in another design as line drawings or in greyscale). A multiple application could also include a design for the entire object and further designs for specific parts or details of that object. However, you may also apply for designs for the various design variants within a collection (for example, different colours or versions) or completely different products together.

Key information about collective applications at a glance:

  • Applications submitted via DPMAdirektWeb may contain up to 20 designs. Applications submitted via the DPMAdirektPro software may include up to 100 designs.
  • The designs applied for may belong to different classes.
  • Even though the designs are applied for jointly, they are legally independent intellectual property rights, meaning you can sell individual designs from a multiple application to third parties and, upon expiry of the initial term of protection, decide whether you wish to maintain protection for all or only the most successful registered designs.

various pieces of furniture (a leather swivel chair with different legs and tables)

Example: different designs filed in a multiple application (design numbers 402021204054-0001 to 402021204054-0009)

How much does a design application cost?

The minimum fee is 60 euros for electronic filing (or 70 euros for paper-based filing).

Getting to a registered design faster

We can process your application more quickly if you

  • submit your application electronically,
  • pay the application fees via SEPA direct debit or by immediate bank transfer, and
  • create the product description using the Locarno-Search. There you will quickly find all permissible product terms.

If the application meets all the requirements for registration, your design will normally be registered within one month of receipt of the fee. If not all requirements are met or if there are outstanding questions regarding the application, the processing time may be extended; in such cases, you should expect processing times of three to four months from the date of payment of the fee.

Picture: iStock.com/Peter Csaszar, Picture 2 und 3: DPMA via DPMAregister

Last updated: 27 March 2026