article thumbnail

Design Patent Protection for Computer Generated Icons and Graphical User Interfaces

Intellectual Property Law Blog

Recent patent cases have made it more difficult to obtain utility patent protection for some of the functional aspects of computer software. Strategic use of design patents can be an important part of an overall patent strategy. Strategic use of design patents can be an important part of an overall patent strategy.

article thumbnail

USPTO Urged To Revamp Computer Image Design Patent Rule

IP Law 360

Patent and Trademark Office allow design patents on computer icons shown using new technologies like holograms and augmented reality, saying a rule limiting protection to images on display screens is outdated. Intellectual property law groups and Apple Inc. have recommended that the U.S.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

When is the Design Patent Foreign Filing Deadline? Any extensions?

Patent Trademark Blog

When is the design patent foreign filing deadline? The design patent foreign filing deadline is 6 months from your earliest design application. Generally, a US applicant will have 6 months from the US design patent application to file any foreign design patent applications.

article thumbnail

Are design patent applications published?

Patent Trademark Blog

Can you see a pending design patent application? No, US design patent applications are not published. Therefore, the public cannot monitor or search for a pending design patent application. Need to apply for a design patent? Why does it matter that design patent applications are not published?

article thumbnail

5 Key Takeaways - A New Era Dawns for Design Patent Validity - How the Federal Circuit Has Rewritten Design Patent Obviousness Law

JD Supra Law

Kilpatrick partners Megan Bussey, Nicki Kennedy, and Michael Bertelson recently presented at the 20th annual KTIPS (Kilpatrick Townsend Intellectual Property Seminar) on the topic of “A New Era Dawns for Design Patent Validity - How the Federal Circuit Has Rewritten Design Patent Obviousness Law.” design patents.

article thumbnail

Design Patent Bar Now Reality

Patently-O

by Dennis Crouch The USPTO is officially establishing a separate design patent practitioner bar with its final rule published on November 16, 2023 and effective January 2, 2024. Currently, a single patent bar governs registration for anyone seeking to practice before the USPTO in utility, plant, and design patent matters.

article thumbnail

Can Design Patents Be Invalidated?

JD Supra Law

Suppose you have a design for an ornamental appearance of an article and start producing the article. Subsequently, you receive notice from an owner of a design patent that you are infringing their patent. You conduct a prior art search and find some references related to the design.