Design Protection for Medical Devices

Abstract

Design patent protection maybe granted for the ornamental design of a functional item, such as a medical device, so long as the design is novel and non-obvious. Not only can design patent protection be sought for the overall appearance of a medical device, but protection can also be sought for individual components of a medical device, including graphical user interface icons. Similarly, replacement or consumable components that are designed to be used with a specific medical device could also be protected by design patents. Design patent protection is not unique to the United States. Other parts of the world also allow for unique designs that are used in industry to be legally protected, but by different means than a patent.