Design Patent
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of your product. Unlike a utility patent, which covers how something works, a design patent covers how it looks. This includes the shape, surface ornamentation, and overall visual impression of your product.
Design patents are a smart choice when the look of your product is a key part of its market appeal. They are also faster and less expensive than utility patents, making them a practical option for protecting product designs. Design patents last for 15 years from the date of grant and do not require maintenance fees.
I work with you to prepare the design patent drawings that define the scope of your protection. The drawings are the most critical part of a design patent application because the visual representation is essentially the entire claim. I coordinate professional patent drawings that clearly capture the unique design elements of your product.
What's Included
- Design patent drawings
- Application drafting
- USPTO filing
- Filing receipt confirmation
Timeline
Typically 2 to 3 weeks
Ideal For
Inventors and product designers who have a visually distinctive product and want to prevent competitors from copying its appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a design patent?
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a functional item. It covers the way a product looks, not the way it works. Design patents last 15 years from the grant date, and they do not require maintenance fees. They are a good fit when the visual design of your product is distinctive and competitively important.
What is the difference between a design patent and a utility patent?
A design patent protects how a product looks, while a utility patent protects how it works. Design patents are generally faster and less expensive to obtain, but they only prevent others from copying the specific ornamental appearance of your product. A utility patent provides broader protection for the underlying function and structure. In some cases, filing both types can provide the most complete coverage.