One example of a Design Patent is the bottle design for Ultra Premium Vodka by Vertikal. This design is dubbed as the "world's first neckless bottle". Note that the fact that this bottle does not have a neck does not lend itself to better handling, pouring, or other distribution of vodka beverages. In other words, the "look" of the bottle is definitely unique. However, the "look" of the bottle does not have any realy functional advantages at all.
EXAMPLES OF DESIGN PATENTS
UPDATE: DESIGN PATENT TERMS HAVE INCREASED FROM 14 TO 15 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE APPLICATION
THIGH MASTER
Design
Patent
Patent
VODKA BOTTLES
Unique
Non-Fx'al
Looks
Non-Fx'al
Looks
FORM FACTOR
iPad
Coca-Cola Bottle
Coca-Cola Bottle
FASHION
Sunglasses
Jewelry
Sneakers
Jewelry
Sneakers
AUTOMOBILES
Fenders
Contours
Shapes
Contours
Shapes
Design Patents only cover a unique "look" of a product. However, that look will only be protected if it has absolutely no functional value to it. If the look has a unique purpose in how it works, then it will have to be filed as a Utility Patent.
E-mail: Support@Socalpatent.com
DESIGN PATENTS