A design patent is a type of intellectual property protection that grants 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 important for companies to safeguard their creative designs and maintain a competitive edge in the market. To obtain a design patent, an inventor must submit an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must include detailed drawings or photographs of the design, along with a description. If granted, a design patent typically lasts for 15 years, allowing the holder to prevent unauthorized use of their design during that time.