Essential Tips on U.S. Design Patent Search
Essential Tips on U.S. Design Patent Search When creating or innovating a new product, it's essential to determine whether your design is truly unique. A design patent protects the ornamental design of a functional item, covering how it looks rather than how it works. In the United States, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers legal protection for new, original, and ornamental designs through the issuance of design patents. Before applying for a design patent, conducting a thorough patent search is crucial to ensure that your design is novel and doesn't infringe on existing patents. Below are some essential tips on how to perform an effective U.S. design patent search . Understand the Scope of a Design Patent A design patent does not protect the functional aspects of an object (that's what utility patents are for), but rather the aesthetic appearance. This can include the shape, surface ornamentation, or configuration of the item. Before starting you...