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 by others. Design patents are typically granted for a period of 15 years in the United States. To obtain a design patent, the applicant must demonstrate that the design is new, original, and not obvious. This protection encourages innovation by allowing designers to profit from their creative work without the fear of imitation. Examples of items that can be protected include furniture, jewelry, and consumer electronics.