MBL webinar: UK design registrations for animated sequences and GUIs – How to ensure success

Format: Live webinar
Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 (BST)
Registrations: Book online

UK registered designs are only examined on formal grounds, meaning grants are quick and seamless. However, this changes when applicants seek protection for animated graphical user interfaces (‘GUIs’), including sequences and transitions. In these cases, objections are common, often difficult to address, and frequently lack transparency. Examiners may object that individual frames constitute different designs or that the application does not meet the statutory definition of a design or product.

In this session, Alistair Holzhauer-Barrie, partner and UK design attorney will provide:

• A review of the UK design law and guidelines on animated sequences and GUIs.
• An analysis of common objections, practical approaches for addressing them, and guidance on how to avoid them arising in the first place.
• A detailed discussion of the UKIPO process for examining animated GUI and sequence designs.

For full details and to book your place please visit the MBL website.

Speaker

Alistair Holzhauer-Barrie maintains a significant design practice, and his strategic advice on filing approaches in the UK, EU and internationally is sought by clients and peers worldwide. He is a regular speaker on design law, a member of the AIPPI Design Committee, and contributes to AIPPI UK’s response to the 2025 UK design law consultations.

Alistair is European and UK patent attorney. His clients include multinational companies, SMEs and start-ups across the UK, Europe and beyond. In addition, he advises start-ups and SMEs on IP strategy, helping them align intellectual property protection with business objectives to ensure IP supports commercial strengths and drives growth.