For forward-thinking companies, design patents are an invaluable tool to protecting their IP. With remedies for design patent infringement often exceeding those available for utility patents, protecting design features against piracy or infringing use is a critical investment.
With the passage of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, the U.S. implementation of The Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, and other patent-related developments worldwide, a global design patent strategy is now more essential than ever. As client advocates, we provide coordinated representation in design patent prosecution matters. We also manage an extensive network of attorneys outside the U.S. with whom we work with regularly on design patent matters, enabling us to resolve problems and pursue opportunities almost everywhere our clients do business or face competition.
We are deeply attuned to the complex interplay between patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, and other IP protection as it relates to product design. We consider all available options for our clients’ industrial designs and customize our legal advice accordingly. Our design patent team includes professionals with backgrounds in engineering, as well as trademarks, transactions, and IP litigation, enabling us to provide a fresh interdisciplinary perspective to an area of law at the intersection of branding and aesthetics.
Our attorneys have experience in all areas of design patents, including:
- Comprehensive Design Protection (patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright, and international designs)
- Continuation Design Patent Practice
- Litigation
- U.S. Design Patent Filings with Foreign Priority Claims
- USPTO Hague Convention Filings
Our attorneys also have experience protecting designs in many industries, including :
- Fashion Merchandise (handbags, shoes, apparel)
- Eyewear
- Electronics and Accessories
- Packaging and Containers
By utilizing associates, paralegals, and partners in tandem, we are able to provide cost-effective strategies to protect your company’s designs and support your global business, marketing, and branding goals.