A design patent (called a design registration in India) protects the unique visual appearance or aesthetic features of a product, rather than its functional aspects. It safeguards the way a product looks — its shape, pattern, color, or ornamentation — as long as it is new and original. What is a Design Patent? It grants exclusive rights to the creator to use, sell, or license the design for a certain period. It prevents others from copying or using the same design without permission. It focuses on the external appearance and not the technical or functional features of the product. Key Features of Design Patent: Protects the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product. Does not protect the functionality or structure of the product. Valid for 10 years in India, extendable by 5 more years. Commonly applied for products like furniture, textiles, jewelry, packaging, gadgets, and vehicles. Difference from a Utility Patent: A utility patent protects how something works or its functional innovations. A design patent protects how something looks. Legal Framework in India: Design patents are governed by the Designs Act, 2000. The design must be new and original and not previously published or used anywhere in the world. Example: If you create a new and unique shape for a smartphone cover or a distinctive pattern for a fabric, you can apply for a design patent to protect its look.

Dear Client, Design Patent is an intellectual property that safeguards the aesthetic look of a product of manufacture. Consider it as a protection to your product appearance and not that of your product. The Crux of the Protection: It includes the form, structure, or the surface decoration- the material that makes your product look different (in the case of the Hershey Kiss, the spiral form, or in the case of a specific phone, the round corners). Unless the design is determined by pure functionality, it is not acceptable. Considerable Differences with a Utility Patent: • Utility Patent: Safeguards function ("How it works). Lasts 20 years. • Design Patent: Guards appearance (How it looks). Expires after 15 years of grant (in U.S.) and it does not need maintenance fees. In order to acquire one, one applies which mainly involves professional drawings that outline the precise scope of protection. This renders the application process to be relatively less time consuming and low in cost as compared to a utility patent. I hope this answer helps; if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you