What is a design patent?

A design patent is a type of patent that protects a product’s ornamental design. It is exclusive to the visual characteristics of an object and does not protect the functional parts of the object. This means that if a person attempts to copy the look of an object, but not function of the object, they can be prevented from doing so without permission. Design patents are handled in Florida under the state’s patent law, which is based on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s federal Code of Laws. Anyone wanting to apply for a design patent must submit their application and pay a fee to the USPTO or any of its branches. Once the application is approved, the patent holder is granted exclusive rights to their design for a period of 14 years. In this way, design patents are similar to other types of patents in that they provide protection for intellectual property and can be enforced if the patent holder believes someone is infringing on their rights. They are also unique in that they only protect the appearance of the object and not its actual functionality. This makes them an important tool for designers and inventors to protect their original creations.

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What is a design patent?

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