What is a design patent?

A design patent is a form of intellectual property protection that is granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Design patents in the state of Washington protect the ornamental design of an object, rather than the functional aspects of the invention. This type of patent only applies to two- or three-dimensional designs, and can cover many different kinds of products from furniture to jewelry to clothing. In order to obtain a design patent in Washington, an inventor must file an application with the USPTO. The application must include all necessary documents, such as drawings, photographs, or other visual representations of the design, as well as written descriptions of any unique features of the design. The USPTO will then review the application and determine whether it meets the legal requirements for a design patent. If the patent is granted, the owner is then granted exclusive rights to the design in the United States. This means that any other person wanting to use the design must obtain permission from the patent owner, or face potential legal action. Design patents in Washington generally last for fourteen years, after which time the design can be used without permission from the patent owner. Design patents provide a valuable form of protection to inventors in Washington, allowing them to capitalize on their creative ideas and inventions. With design patents, inventors are able to secure their original designs from being copied and used without permission, ensuring that their work can be used to its fullest value.

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