Interesting Patents
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants hundreds of new patents every week, showcasing the most exciting developments in technology and innovation.

In this article, we highlight several interesting US patents recently issued by the USPTO.

Looking for more information on patents? Visit our Patents Page here. We also recommend that you check out our Intellectual Property Resources page for guides, videos, and insight on patents and inventorship. We also provide Tips on Choosing a Patent Lawyer.

INVENTION OVERVIEW:

An exciting reveal for motorsports fans. Ferrari was issued a new design patent D945,320 titled, “Car, Toy Car Replica And/Or Other Replica.” While this patent does not mention the specific model of vehicle for the design, the look bears similarity to the Scuderia Ferrari SF1000 that raced in the 2020 Formula One season. One area that is not shown in this design is the bottom of the car, meaning there is only one view with the rear diffuser fully visible. While this may not be important for a toy model or replica, it is a crucial design consideration on the actual car itself. Further, this application was filed only two working days before the car was publicly revealed, demonstrating the effort teams like Ferrari’s implement in keeping big reveals like this confidential.

PATENT CLAIM:

The ornamental design for a car, toy car replica and/or other replica, as shown and described.

Description:

FIG. 1 is a top, front and side perspective view of a car, toy car replica and/or other replica showing my new design;

FIG. 2 is a top, rear and opposite side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view thereof, the opposite side is a mirror image thereof; and,

FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof.This particular interesting patent highlights the importance of intellectual property (IP), including the design of innovation. By filing for this design patent, Ferrari is able to protect its intellectual property and ensure no unlicensed reproductions of its latest model. This is especially relevant in the motorsports industry where teams are not only looking to stay ahead of the competition and create the most innovative designs, but also market to fans with consumer consumer products and team merchandise.

About Design Patents

When it comes to the world of design patents, many people are not sure what they entail. Design patents protect the ornamental features of a product and can be obtained for any new, original, and non-obvious ornamental design for an article of manufacture. The USPTO is responsible for granting these types of patents. This is done only after a thorough examination of the patent application to ensure that the design is new, original, and non-obvious.

Design patents are a valuable form of intellectual property because they protect not just the function of a product but its ornamental features as well. This can be important for companies who want to ensure their products remain unique and do not fall victim to copied designs.

Design patents are also relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain, making them a valuable tool for companies looking to protect these aspects of their intellectual property. In order to be granted a design patent, an applicant must submit a patent application that includes a written description of the design, drawings or photographs of the design, and a declaration from the inventor.

How Long do Design Patents Last?

USPTO design patents are granted for a term of 15 years from the date of issuance. This means that companies who obtain a design patent can protect their design for a period of time and prevent others from copying it. It is important to note that this protection does not extend to the functionality of the product but only its ornamental features.

What Other Industries or Products Do Design Patents Benefit?

Design patents can be obtained in a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods industries- to name a few. They can also be obtained for products ranging from furniture to clothing to toys.

In addition, design patents can be obtained to protect both the exterior and interior features of a product.

In Conclusion

For motorsports fans, this new design patent from Ferrari is an exciting reveal and provides a sneak peak into the design of their 2020 Formula One car. And as you can see, design patents are a valuable form of intellectual property protection for companies in a variety of industries. By obtaining a design patent, these businesses can protect the ornamental features of their products and ensure that no one can copy their designs.