Most inventors don't know GUI interfaces and partial component designs qualify for design patents. Here's the full breakdown of what the USPTO protects — and what it excludes — from a former examiner.

A design patent lives or dies on its drawings. This guide covers required views, surface shading, broken-line strategy, USPTO fees, and examiner evaluation criteria.

Not sure what a design patent will cost you? USPTO fees range from $260 to $2,600 depending on entity size — plus drawings and attorney fees. Here's the full breakdown from a former USPTO examiner.

Design patents protect how an invention looks; utility patents protect how it works. Learn the cost, timeline, and examination differences — with USPTO examiner insight.