Does IP Law Protect Cake And Pastry Designs?

A chef who created a cake for President Obama's inauguration in 2013 recently tweeted a photograph showing two cakes. According to the chef, one was created for the Obama inauguration and the other was for an inaugural ball for President Trump. The Trump cake baker apparently admitted copying the Obama cake design (and stated the proceeds would be donated to a charity). So among the many legal questions raised by the new Trump administration, there lies an interesting IP question: can a baker, chef or restaurateur use intellectual property law to protect a cake or pastry design?

The short and sweet answer is yes. Protection may be available for cake and other baked goods designs in the US under copyright, trademark, trade secret and/or design patent laws. The ingredients for success in obtaining such protection — as well an invitation to our March 9th food, beverage and restaurant brand management event — follow below.