• US Design Patent Application and Fees
  • US Design Patent Application and Fees

US Design Patent Application and Fees

This fee includes the Official Fee + Firm Fee, Total (USD)
U.S. design patents are expensive and subject to rigorous examination, but their value lies in their powerful monopolistic nature in the U.S. market. Their core characteristics include strictly defined protection scope based on drawings and no annual fees.
To obtain a U.S. design patent, in addition to novelty, the applicant must also meet the inventive step requirement of "non-obviousness." 
The quality of the drawings in a U.S. design patent application is paramount. Clients should be commissioned or instructed to have them drawn by a professional draftsman and to work with a U.S. attorney to employ a strategy of using solid and dashed lines to secure the most reasonable scope of protection.
Mandatory representation is required: all applicants residing outside the United States must be represented by a licensed U.S. patent attorney or agent.

$480.00
Patent Application:
Filing of a design application (Micro Entity)
Filing of a design application (Small Entity)
Filing of a design application (Large Entity)
Claiming a Convention priority (if during filing)
Claiming a Convention priority (after filing)
Response to a formal official action
Issue fee (Micro Entity)
Issue fee (Small Entity)
Issue fee (Large Entity)
  • US Design Patent Application and Fees

Description

US Design Patent Application: Comprehensive Guidance and Service

Introduction

A US Design Patent Application is a legal mechanism for protecting the unique visual appearance of an article of manufacture. Governed by US patent laws, specifically 35 U.S.C. 171, this form of intellectual property safeguards the ornamental design, ensuring that competitors cannot imitate the aesthetic features of your product. INIPA, a globally recognized intellectual property service provider, offers expert assistance in navigating the complexities of the US design patent application process.

Key Features and Benefits

Comprehensive Documentation Guidance

To secure a US design patent, precise documentation is essential. INIPA provides detailed guidance on the required materials: -ings or Photographs**: High-quality illustrations depicting all perspectives of the design, adhering to USPTO formatting standards.

  • Specification: A concise written description supporting the visual materials, clarifying design elements and functional exclusions.
  • Claim: A single claim defining the protected design, typically phrased as "The ornamental design for [article name] as shown and described."
  • Design Application Data Sheet (DADS): Formal declarations regarding inventor information, foreign priority claims, and applicant details.

Streamlined Application Process

INIPA facilitates a structured submission pathway:

  1. Prior Art Search: Conducting preliminary research to assess novelty and non-obviousness.
  2. Application Drafting: Preparing drawings and legal documents compliant with USPTO rules.
  3. Filing: Electronically submitting via USPTO’s Patent Electronic Application System (PEAS).
  4. Examination: Responding to Office Actions addressing examiner queries or rejections.
  5. Grant: Finalizing patent issuance upon approval, typically within 15–24 months.

Legal and Procedural Expertise

INIPA’s specialists possess in-depth knowledge of:

  • USPTO procedural nuances for design patents
  • Compliance with Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations
  • Strategies for overcoming common objections (e.g., indefiniteness in drawings)

Why Choose INIPA?

As a global intellectual property service provider operating in 200+ jurisdictions, INIPA offers:

  • Cross-Border Experience: Expertise in harmonizing US design patent applications with international IP strategies.
  • End-to-End Management: From initial consultation to post-grant maintenance, ensuring seamless prosecution.
  • Risk Mitigation: Proactive identification of potential conflicts through integrated trademark and patent analytics.

Secure your product’s visual identity in the US market.
Contact INIPA today for a tailored consultation on design patent protection.