A design patent is a type of intellectual property protection that grants the owner exclusive rights to the ornamental design of a functional item. This means that the unique appearance of a product, such as its shape, surface, or color, can be legally protected from being copied or used without permission. Design patents are typically granted for a period of 15 years in the United States. To obtain a design patent, the applicant must submit a detailed application that includes drawings or photographs of the design. The design must be new, original, and not obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field. Common examples of items that can be protected by a design patent include furniture, jewelry, and consumer electronics like smartphones.