What is the purpose of a design patent?

The purpose of a design patent is to protect the ornamental design of an article of manufacture. This type of patent specifically focuses on the visual and aesthetic appearance of a product rather than its utility or functionality. By granting exclusive rights to the inventor for a limited time, a design patent prevents others from making, using, or selling a product that significantly resembles the patented design. This legal protection encourages innovation and investment in the creation of visually unique products, thereby fostering creativity in design.

In contrast, protecting functionality relates to utility patents, which cover how an invention works or its operational methods. Copyright pertains to the protection of original works like literature and art rather than physical products, and trademarks are associated with branding elements such as logos or symbols. Each of these types of intellectual property serves different purposes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific protections that patents can offer to design elements.