What is the difference between a design and utility patent? 1 Answers as of June 30, 2010

Is there a difference between a design patent and a utility patent in terms of the protection afforded to the inventor of each? Is there a difference in the process of filing one versus the other?

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Kafantaris Law Group
Kafantaris Law Group | Theo Kafantaris
A design patent merely protects the ornamental design of an invention (no functional elements), and can only last for 14 years from the date of filing. A utility patent protects the functional elements of your invention, and can last for 20 years from the date of filing.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 6/30/2010
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