DESIGN PATENT INFORMATION
A design patent protects the appearance or ornamental design of an item. It is useful where the appearance of the product is important, or cannot be substantially altered without destroying the functionality of the product. There is no written description of the invention, so the drawings are the heart of the design patent. A design patent application can be filed simultaneously with a utility application, for additional protection.
The design patent application is examined similarly as that of a utility case. Duration is 14 years from the issue date. No maintenance fees are required.
