Exploring entrepreneurship? Ask us anything

Can't find what you are looking for?
Contact an EIR

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.
Elaine Chen -
Was this article helpful?
1 out of 1 found this helpful


This website and all posts and content are intended for educational purposes only and for no other purposes including without limitation commercial purposes. Any other use must give proper attribution to the Martin Trust Center and is subject to certain legal rights contained in our license and terms of use. See full legal disclaimer HERE.

The content in this knowledgebase is subject to a non-exclusive license with share-alike restrictions and the terms of use of this site – which is available for your review HERE.
Have more questions? Submit a request

Comments