Design patent protection has become very important in
today's high stakes, competitive markets. A design patent
protects an article's appearance, versus a utility patent
protecting its construction or operation. Design patents have been
issued protecting the designs of the iPhone 7 cellular phone, Mac
Pro laptop computer, Apple Watch wristwatch and Beats headphones,
all of which have significant competitive value separate and apart
from their functions.
Companies like Google and Facebook protect their graphical user
interface designs through worldwide design patents. With the then
largest jury verdict in a patent case handed down in the Apple vs.
Samsung (having a number of Apple's design patents at issue),
it is no wonder that design patents have increased in popularity
and recognition as important competitive tools and extremely
valuable property rights.
