A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, or surface decoration—not its functional aspects.

You can patent new, original, and ornamental designs for an article of manufacture. This includes product shapes, patterns, icons, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and more.

A utility patent protects how something works (its function), while a design patent protects how something looks (its appearance).

In the U.S., a design patent lasts 15 years from the date of grant, with no maintenance fees required.

Yes. High-quality drawings or images that clearly show all views of the design (e.g., front, side, top) are required. These should follow USPTO formatting guidelines.

Yes, individuals can file their own design patent applications, but it’s recommended to work with a patent professional to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.