End-to-end design patent filing led by an experienced attorney
End-to-end design patent filing led by an experienced attorney
Get white-glove support from USPTO-registered patent attorneys and a tech-enabled law firm, improving application quality and speeding up filing. All at a fraction of traditional law firm costs—$1,099 + federal fees.*
Get white-glove support from USPTO-registered patent attorneys and a tech-enabled law firm, improving application quality and speeding up filing. All at a fraction of traditional law firm costs—$1,099 + federal fees.*
Don S.
Patent attorney
10+ years of experience
ATTORNEY-LED
Premium Design
Patent Application
Premium Design
Patent Application
$1099
Let an experienced patent attorney take care of every step of the process. We'll keep you posted on progress from start to finish.
Get 'Patent Pending' status in 3 easy steps with a provisional patent application.
Get my design patent
Patent attorney review with a video consultation
Patent attorney-prepared and filed application
Patent pending status upon submission
Up to 7 professional technical drawings included
Electronic USPTO filing
Patent attorney
9 years of experience
ATTORNEY-LED
Premium Design
Patent Application
Premium Design
Patent Application
$1099
Let an experienced patent attorney take care of every step of the process. We'll keep you posted on progress from start to finish.
Let an experienced patent attorney take care of every step of the process. We'll keep you posted on progress from start to finish.
Get my design patent
Patent attorney review with a video consultation
Patent attorney-prepared and filed application
Patent pending status upon submission
Up to 7 professional technical drawings included
Electronic USPTO filing
Experienced patent professionals
to guide your application
Experienced patent professionals to guide your application
Inventors who file patent applications with patent professionals are more likely to have higher-quality applications.
Dan S.
With 3 years of patent practice and 14 years of technical expertise, I've guided inventors through the patent application process. I've worked at both boutique and national firms, supporting clients from search to filing.
Dan S.
With 3 years of patent practice and 14 years of technical expertise, I've guided inventors through the patent application process.
Will K.
As a USPTO-registered patent agent with 5+ years of prosecution experience, I’ve worked on both the private and federal sides of the process. I enjoy guiding entrepreneurs and inventors through the application process with confidence.
Will K.
As a USPTO-registered patent agent with 5+ years of prosecution experience, I’ve worked on both the private and federal sides of the process.
Rigorously vetted patent professionals from our law firm
Average 11 years of experience preparing USPTO patent applications
End-to-end management of your application, including drawings, filing, and more
Trusted by tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and inventors nationwide
Premium Design patent service for nearly half the price
Save almost 50% compared to the average $2,000 price charged by traditional law firms for filing a design patent application.*
SAVE ALMOST
50%
SAVE ALMOST
50%
$1099
+ FEDERAL FEES
$2,000+
Get my design patent
Premium Design Patent service for nearly half the price
Save almost 50% compared to the average $2,000 price charged by traditional law firms for filing a design patent application.*
Get my design patent
SAVE ALMOST
50%
$1099
+ FEDERAL FEES
$2,000+
Why start a design patent application?
Unlike a utility patent, which covers function, design patent protection safeguards your product’s appearance—shapes, patterns, and surface details.
Protect your design
Design patents cover the unique look of your product so copycats can’t steal your appearance.
Strengthen your brand
Design patents reinforce the features that make your product recognizable, adding long-term value and credibility.
Gain a competitive edge
Design patents help you stop knockoffs, stand out, and secure protection that lasts 15 years.
Answer a few questions about your invention
Our patent attorneys guide you through the whole process to ensure your application is complete and high quality.
Review technical drawings prepared by our illustrators
Rest easy while we
e-file your application with the USPTO
Once everything is ready, your patent attorney will e-file your application with the USPTO and you’ll receive “patent pending” status.
Frequently asked questions
What is a design patent, and how does it differ from a utility patent?
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a product—its shape, surface decoration, or configuration. In contrast, a utility patent protects how a product works, including its functions or mechanisms. If you’re comparing design vs utility patents, the design patent is typically simpler, faster, and less expensive to obtain.
Why should I file a design patent application?
Filing a design patent application gives you exclusive rights to your product’s unique look. This design patent protection deters competitors from copying your design, strengthens your brand identity, and helps your product stand out in the market.
How much does a design patent cost?
LegalZoom charges $1,099 + federal fees for a design patent application. USPTO federal fees vary by entity: $260 (micro), $520 (small), or $1300 (large). These federal fees include the USPTO’s filing, search, and examination costs. Traditional law firms often charge $2,000+ for the same service, so LegalZoom can save you nearly 50% in design patent costs.
Are maintenance fees required for design patents?
No. Unlike utility patents, design patents do not require maintenance fees, making them more affordable to maintain over their 15-year term.
How long does a design patent last?
For applications filed on or after May 13, 2015, a design patent lasts 15 years from the date of grant. For applications filed before that date, the term is 14 years. Design patents do not require maintenance fees.
How long will it take to prepare my application?
Preparing a design patent application, including professional design patent drawings, generally takes 2–3 weeks. Once your application is e-filed with the USPTO, you can immediately label your product as “patent pending.”
How do I mark my product as “patent pending”?
You may mark your product as “patent pending” as soon as your design patent application is filed with the USPTO.
Learn more about design patents with these guides
Learn the difference between utility and design patents, and how each might apply to your invention. Learn more
The 3 Types of Patents and How They're Used
Trademarks, copyrights, and patents can be powerful tools to protect your business and creative works. Learn more
How much does a patent cost?
Patent costs can vary depending on the type of application, government fees, and more. Get a breakdown of the typical costs and budgeting tips. Learn more
How Long Do Patents Last?
Patents don’t last forever, and the length of your patent will depend on a few factors, such as what type it is and when it was first filed. Learn more
What you need to know about design patents
What is a design patent?
A design patent protects the unique look of your product—not how it works. It covers the ornamental features of an article of manufacture, such as its shape, surface design, or a combination of both.
To qualify, the design must be applied to a real product (for example, a phone case or bottle). Filing a design patent application with the USPTO gives you exclusive rights to stop others from copying your product’s appearance for 15 years.
Why file a design patent?
Protect your product’s design with enforceable design patent protection against copycats.
Strengthen your brand identity by securing rights to the features customers recognize.
Exclusive rights for 15 years with no maintenance fees.
What is a design patent?
A design patent protects the unique look of your product—not how it works. It covers the ornamental features of an article of manufacture, such as its shape, surface design, or a combination of both.
To qualify, the design must be applied to a real product (for example, a phone case or bottle). Filing a design patent application with the USPTO gives you exclusive rights to stop others from copying your product’s appearance for 15 years.
Why file a design patent?
Protect your product’s design with enforceable design patent protection against copycats.
Strengthen your brand identity by securing rights to the features customers recognize.
Exclusive rights for 15 years with no maintenance fees.
What’s the difference between a design patent
and a utility patent?
Protect the way your product looks with a design patent application, or the way it works with a utility patent.
Design patent
Protects appearance
Covers the ornamental design, shape, or surface decoration of a product
15-year term
Lasts 15 years from the date of grant with no maintenance fees
Lower cost
Design patent cost is generally less than a utility patent, often about half the price
Simpler application
Requires design patent drawings that show the product’s appearance, rather than lengthy technical descriptions
Utility Patent
Protects function
Covers how a product works, is used, or is made
20-year term
Lasts 20 years from the filing date, with maintenance fees required
Higher cost
Utility patents are generally more expensive due to detailed requirements and examination
Detailed application
Requires technical specifications, formal claims, and legal documents
How to file a design
patent application
To file with the USPTO, you’ll need:
- A short specification with a title, description, and single claim
- Design patent drawings or photos showing all views of your product
- The required USPTO filing fees
Once filed, your product can be marked “patent pending.” If approved, you’ll receive design patent protection lasting 15 years with no maintenance fees.
Why design patents are important
Stop copycats
Prevent competitors from copying your product’s unique design.
Exclusive rights
15 years of design patent protection with no maintenance fees.
Strengthen your brand
Protect the features that make your product recognizable.
Boost product value
A design patent adds appeal for buyers and investors.
Stand out
Safeguard the look that sets your product apart.
Broaden protection
Combine design and utility patents to cover both look and function.
What are common reasons a design patent application is rejected?
Design patent applications can be rejected if they don’t meet USPTO requirements. Common reasons include:
- Lack of novelty: The design is not new or has been disclosed in prior art.
- Obviousness: The design is too similar to existing designs.
- Incomplete drawings: Design patent drawings or photos don’t fully disclose the product’s appearance.
- Inadequate description: The written description doesn’t clearly explain what is being claimed.
- Improper claim language: The single claim doesn’t properly define the design or follow required format.
Ensuring your design patent application is complete—with clear drawings, a proper claim, and accurate description—can help reduce the chance of rejection.
Ready to protect the unique look of your product?
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