Some of the Latest Apple Design Patents
Apple products are known by their sleek and elegant designs. From their iPhones to their Macbooks, we have always seen some really unique and intriguing designs by Apple that leaves a lasting impression. But these designs can also be protected by patents. More specifically, design patents. Let’s explore what design patents are generally, before checking out some of the latest design patents that Apple has received or applied for.
So what are design patents?
Design patents are patents that protect ornamental features rather than utility. Here is the definition of a design from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) itself:
“A design consists of the visual ornamental characteristics embodied in, or applied to, an article of manufacture. Since a design is manifested in appearance, the subject matter of a design patent application may relate to the configuration or shape of an article, to the surface ornamentation applied to an article, or to the combination of configuration and surface ornamentation. A design for surface ornamentation is inseparable from the article to which it is applied and cannot exist alone. It must be a definite pattern of surface ornamentation, applied to an article of manufacture.”
What is ineligible for a design patent?
The USPTO specifically states that designs for “an article of manufacture that is dictated primarily by the function of the article lacks ornamentality” will not be proper subject matter for design patents. Design patents are more geared towards protect non-functional or ornamental aspects of an invention. One way to put it is, design patents protect an article’s appearances rather what the invention or article can do.
What are the requirements to get a design patent?
To be eligible for a design patent, several requirements have to be met. One of the requirements is that it is generally for articles of manufacture. Moreover, it has to be new, original, and ornamental. These requirements differ from the requirements for a utility patent. Utility patents require an invention to be novel, non-obvious, have utility, and be considered patentable subject matter. Moreover, the terms for design patents and utility patents also differ, with design patents only lasting 15 years compared to the 20 under utility patents.
Back to Apple, what are some of their latest design patents?
We will be only looking at some of the design patents that were filed recently by Apple this year. Here they are!
Display Screen or Portion thereof with Graphical User Interface (US D851,121)
Click here to see the entire patent.
Electronic device with Graphical User Interface (US D851,111)
Click here to see the entire patent.
Display Screen or Portion thereof with Icon (US D851,104)
Click here to see the entire patent.
Wearable device (US D850,945)
Click here to see the entire patent.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s design patents? Leave a comment below to let us know what you think!
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be legal advice and is meant to be for educational or entertainment purposes only. Please do not use the article or contents of the article without permission. For legal advice and questions, please contact registered Patent Attorney Vincent LoTempio.
