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

Defending Design Patents

Patently-O

In our new paper, The Truth About Design Patents , we debunk three widely held—but incorrect—views about U.S. design patents. Taken together, these myths paint a grim picture of design patents: Half of all design patent applications are rejected. Acquiring Design Patents.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Patent Poetry: Will Federal Circuit Soften Test for Design Patent Obviousness?

JD Supra Law

An en banc panel of the Federal Circuit recently heard arguments in a case that could change how courts assess design patents for “obviousness.” LKQ Corporation and GM Global Technology Operations LLC are engaged in a dispute over GM’s design patent for a vehicle fender. By: AEON Law

article thumbnail

[Video] Webinar | Design Patent Litigation

JD Supra Law

The law surrounding validity, infringement, claim construction, and damages in the design patent context is notably less developed than in the utility patent context. Nevertheless, courts have fashioned a robust body of case law to guide their decisions in these disputes. On September 7, join.

article thumbnail

“badgalriri” Renders Puma’s Design Patent Invalid

JD Supra Law

A seemingly innocuous Instagram post by Rihanna is the reason that a Puma design patent* was held invalid. Last week, the General Court of the European Union affirmed the decision of a lower tribunal, invalidating Puma’s application on the grounds that the design had been publicly disclosed prior to the application’s filing date.

article thumbnail

Design Patent: Invalid as Unduly Functional

Patently-O

Evo’s design patent claims an “ ornamental design for a foldable bag ” as shown in the figures above. district court held the patent invalid as both functional and obvious; and also not infringed. Functionality : Design patents focus on ornamentality rather than utility. by Dennis Crouch.

article thumbnail

En Banc Federal Circuit Questions Standard for Design Patent Obviousness

JD Supra Law

Changes to design patent validity law may be coming thanks to LKQ v. On February 5, 2024, in a rare en banc hearing, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit asked tough questions on the foundations of the standard for design patent obviousness under Rosen/Durling.