• Design patents — which, unlike utility patents, have a term of only 14 years from the date on which the patent is granted — are similar to copyrights. 36 USCA § 171. [Cases: Patents 15. C.J.S. Patents §§ 100, 103.]
design patent
A patent granted for a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture; a patent that protects a product’s appearance or nonfunctional aspects.