Design Patent
Protect the unique look of your product
Keep competitors at bay—claiming protection is easy and affordable.
Reasons to file through us
Design protection
Control who can make, use or sell your design; and use the term "patent pending" or "patent issued."
Professional guidance and preparation
A USPTO-registered patent attorney or agent will help prepare and file your application.
Technical illustrations
A professional illustrator will draft your design according to USPTO requirements.
Design patents vs. utility patents
A design patent protects an item's unique ornamental design—how it looks. A utility patent protects how an item is used and works. Design patents are generally less complicated than utility patents and can be easier and cheaper to get. If your invention has a unique design and unique functionality, you may be able to file both a design and a utility patent application.
Compare design and utility patentsWhat qualifies for a design patent?
For your design to qualify for a design patent, these two things must generally be true:
- The design is a part of the item and can't be separated from the item. For example, a label design on a wine bottle wouldn't qualify for a design patent, but a unique design of the bottle itself might qualify.
- The design is purely ornamental and does not affect the item's function.
Copyright, trademark and patent: what's the difference?
How it works
Our 3-step process is fast and easy.
1. Complete our design patent questionnaire
2. A registered patent attorney or agent reviews your information
3. Your attorney or agent prepares and files your application with the USPTO
For a more detailed view of our process, click here.
Get Started Today
Standard
$999
+ federal filing fees
Standard package details:
A registered patent attorney or agent will review your information and provide suggestions for improvement.
Professional preparation of your design patent application.
Technical drawings by a professional illustrator.
Electronic filing of your application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
FREE non-disclosure and confidentiality forms for discussing and marketing your invention.
Gold
$1249
+ federal filing fees
Includes everything from Standard, plus:
A comprehensive design patent search to identify similar and related patents.
Ask away. We have answers.
Common questions
How long does a design patent last?
The term of a design patent is 15 years, beginning on the date the patent is granted. Design patents are not renewable and require no maintenance fees.
How long will it take to prepare my application?
The process of preparing the application and technical drawings generally takes 2—3 weeks. Once the application is filed, you may legally label your design "patent pending" for the period that your application is awaiting approval.
What's the difference between a design patent and a trademark?
Both can be used to protect designs, but the two offer different protections.
A design patent protects a new and original ornamental design of an article of manufacture. A trademark protects a name, logo, symbol or drawing that's used to distinguish a brand.
In certain circumstances, a single design might be eligible for both patent and trademark protection.
A design patent protects a new and original ornamental design of an article of manufacture. A trademark protects a name, logo, symbol or drawing that's used to distinguish a brand.
In certain circumstances, a single design might be eligible for both patent and trademark protection.
A specialist is here to help
(888) 791-0227
We're available Mon-Fri 5am-7pm PT,
Weekends 7am-4pm PT
Speak with an attorney
Get legal advice from an independent attorney at a price you can afford.
File your design patent application starting at $999 + fees
You're just steps away from protecting your unique design.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: This portion of the LegalZoom website is an advertisement. This portion of the LegalZoom website is not a lawyer referral service or prepaid legal services plan. The sole basis for the inclusion of this advertisement is the payment of a fee for exclusive advertising rights. LegalZoom does not endorse or recommend any lawyer or law firm who advertises on our site. We do not make any representation and have not made any judgment as to the qualifications, expertise or credentials of any participating lawyer. The information contained on this site is not legal advice. Any information you submit through this site may not be protected by attorney-client privilege and may be provided to attorneys for the purpose of determining your need for legal services. All case evaluations are performed by a participating attorney.
To see the attorney in your area who is responsible for this advertisement, please click here. If you live in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Utah or Wyoming, please click here for additional information.
This advertisement and all attorney services may be subject to additional terms and conditions, located on the website of each attorney. Please visit the website of the sponsoring attorney in your area for more details. Any arrangement made by you and your attorney is strictly between you and them.