What is the difference between a utility patent and a design patent?

A full-on patent application for a US utility patent covers the actual invention of a system or method to do something novel. It includes the following distinct sections:
- Description
- Diagrams
- References depicting a prior art search
- A set of claims
A design patent protects the esthetic design of a device, and nothing else. Design patents are fully defined with line drawings depicting the device with 7 views: 3D/isometric, top, front, left, right, bottom, back.

Intellectual Property Protection

23 articles

How can I protect my innovations? I’ve heard of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, etc.

What are the legal requirements to get a patent?

Is software patentable?

I don’t have the resources to sue someone who is infringing. Why bother patenting my invention?

MIT owns some patents that I’d like to use. How can I do that?

External content: What is the patent process? (Via Dragon Innovation)

External Content: Do entrepreneurs really need patents? (via MIT Bootcamps)

How do I get a patent? Can I prepare a patent myself? I can write a good technical description.

Even if I can legally get a patent, are there reasons to not get a patent?

A license sounds like a big commitment. I’m not ready for that yet. Can I wait a while to take a license?

External content: Cheat Sheet for Intellectual Property from Bricolage Law LLC

External content: MIT Bootcamps webinar series on IP Law

Why do entrepreneurs need to protect their technical and scientific innovations?

What experience should I look for in a good patent attorney or patent agent?

What if I told someone about my innovation? Is it too late to protect it?

How do I find out if someone else invented my concept first? Is there a way to search for my concept?

Someone told me not to search patents because it can get me in trouble. Is that true?

What is a Provisional Patent Application?

After I file my patent, I can sell my patented product with no worries, right?

What are common license terms for intellectual property?

Does my US patent protect me in other countries?

How do I handle international filings?