Article 74a - Procedures for the inspection of files

1. Inspection of the files of registered EU designs requested pursuant to Article 74(3) shall be of the technical means of storage of the files. Such inspection shall take place online. The Executive Director shall determine the means of inspection. 

2. Where the request for inspection of the files relates to an application for a registered EU design or to a registered EU design which are subject to deferment of publication in accordance with Article 50 or which, being subject to such deferment, have been surrendered before or on the date of expiry of that period, the request shall contain evidence that: 

(a) the applicant for or holder of the EU design has consented to the inspection; or 

(b) the person requesting the inspection has established a legitimate interest in the inspection of the file.

3. Upon request, inspection of the files shall be effected by means of electronic copies of file documents. The Office shall also, upon request, issue certified or uncertified copies of the application for a registered EU design by electronic means.