The Spanish firm Showee, a finalist in the DesignEuropa Awards 2026

 

The Spanish company specializing in smart showers Showee has been selected as one of the finalists in the Awards DesignEuropa 2026The contest, organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Unión Europea (EUIPO)It recognizes excellence in industrial design and its impact on global competitiveness, and will hold its final ceremony in Liubliana the September 22.

 

The awards, which this year have broken records with more than 1.600 entries, highlight how design protection is a strategic asset for companies operating in international markets. The finalists come from España, Alemania, República Checa, Letonia y Eslovenia, covering sectors as diverse as health, furniture, agriculture or fitness.

 

A showcase for the competitiveness of European design

 

Design protection at the EU level is a fundamental tool for exporting companies, as it guarantees exclusivity over a product's appearance in all Member States. In this respect, the EUIPO It handles around 100.000 applications annually, demonstrating the growing importance of this industrial property right.

 

João Negrão, executive director of the EUIPO, has declared: "Over the past decade, the awards DesignEuropa They have highlighted the richness, diversity, and global influence of European design and creativity. (…) These awards remind us that good design not only addresses challenges but also inspires, connects, and shapes a more innovative and sustainable future for all.”.

 

For its part, Karin Žvokelj, director of the Intellectual Property Office of Eslovenia, co-organizer of the event, added: "The Premios DesignEuropa They are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of design protection, which helps companies to successfully position their products in global markets, differentiate themselves and strengthen their competitiveness.".

 

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Main Countries Requesting Designs in the EU

 

Country Number of Registered DesignsAlemania389.000Italia238.000China220.000Estados UnidosNot specified in the top 3FranciaNot specified in the top 3nn

 

Finalists: Innovation from Spain to Latvia

 

A professional jury evaluated the designs based on their originality, functionality, aesthetic value, and sustainability. The finalists are divided into two main categories:

 

Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Category

 

• Showee (España): A smart shower system designed to make hygiene easier for people with reduced mobility, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, by automating the process for greater autonomy and safety. The company responsible is Showee Smart Wellness.
• CLF Growth Container (Letonia): A modular system for local tree cultivation with climate control, driven by the company Carbon Less Future.
• Pet Shell (Eslovenia): A noise-reducing pet house, designed by Pet Shellter to integrate like a piece of furniture into the home.

 

Industry Category

• SOMATOM On.site (Alemania): A mobile cranial computed tomography (CT) scanner Siemens Healthineers AG, which allows for advanced point-of-care diagnostics without transferring critically ill patients.
• CBL 900 (Chequia): Compact, cabless electric loader for agriculture and construction, remotely piloted. Developed by First Green Industries.
• NOHRD StepTower (Alemania): Multifunctional home fitness station made of wood by WATERROWER | NOHRD.

 

Philippe Starck: Lifetime Achievement Award

 

In this edition, the award for professional career will go to the French creator Philippe StarckHe is recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary design. His work, spanning more than five decades, has focused on improving everyday life by combining creativity and functionality. Starck has collaborated with international brands such as Alessi, Kartell o Duravitand his creations, such as the juicer Juicy SalifThey are considered classics of modern design.

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the DesignEuropa Awards and industrial property

 

What does it mean for a Spanish company like Showee to be a finalist in the DesignEuropa Awards?

For an SME like Showee Smart WellnessBeing a finalist in this competition validates their innovation and design strategy at a European level. It provides valuable visibility in international markets, strengthens their brand image, and can open doors to new business partners and distributors, consolidating their position as a key player in their market niche.

 

Why is it crucial for an exporter to protect their design at the European level?

Register a design through the EUIPO grants a unitary and exclusive intellectual property right in the 27 member states of the UEFor an exporter, this is vital to prevent copying or imitation by competitors, secure investment in R&D, and differentiate themselves in saturated markets. Design protection is an intangible asset that strengthens the company's competitiveness and legal security during its international expansion.

 

What is the role of the EUIPO in the internationalization strategy of an SME?

La EUIPO, based in AlicanteIt acts as a one-stop shop for trademark and design protection across the European single market. For SMEs, this significantly simplifies and reduces the cost of protecting their intellectual property, a crucial step before exporting or entering into distribution agreements. The agency offers a robust legal framework that protects innovation and facilitates more secure business expansion.