Jewelry patents have been granted to jewelry manufacturers and artisans since 1850 for protection against copying by competitors. For precious and non precious jewelry there are design and utility patents. Design patents are used to protect the way an article looks, while a utility patent protects the way an article is used and works. Design and utility patents have separate numbering systems and utility patents far outweigh the number of design patents.
One type of patent is the design patent, which protects "ornamental characteristics." If the design is sufficiently innovative, it may receive a design patent.
Patent 342769 refers to a specific design or utility patent granted for a piece of jewelry, which means the inventor has exclusive rights to that design or function for a certain period. This patent protects the unique aspects of the jewelry, preventing others from making, using, or selling the same design without permission. It signifies innovation in jewelry design, contributing to the protection of the creator's intellectual property.
"PAT APLD" on a piece of jewelry typically stands for "Patent Applied For." This indicates that the manufacturer has applied for a patent on the design or technology used in the jewelry but has not yet received formal approval. It serves as a notice to others that the design is legally protected pending the patent's approval, and unauthorized reproduction could lead to legal consequences.
PAT P stamped on the clasp of a piece of jewelry means patent pending. It simply means that the jewelry designer has a copyright on the design of the jewelry.
Anyone desiring to secure a patent upon his or her special design will need to perform a design patent search. Design patents are reserved for a special category of physical items under law. Laws for design protection vary by country around the globe. In the United States, the ornamental design that is on a functional item can be granted a design patent. A design patent can only be granted for a unique ornamental design of an item that is functional. Examples include computer icons and other computer images, beverage containers, jewelry and furniture. This patent is also a form of an industrial design right, enforceable by law. Design patent attorneys are able to register with the government as an agent or attorney specializing in patent applications after they pass a registration examination offered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Foreign countries have their own form of a design patent and application procedure. To consider another design to be an infringement upon a design patent, it only needs to be shown that another design is similar to the patented design; it does not need to be an exact copy. The inventor, a patent attorney, or registered patent agents are the only ones who are allowed to prosecute design infringement or to file a design patent application. Most design patent applications contain a transmittal, a specification, some drawings and a declaration. The design patent application will not be published in the United States and several other countries until it is granted. It is very important to maintain secrecy until the patent is granted. Design patent searches are made to determine that the new design does not infringe upon another patented design. Most patent design searches and applications are done by patent attorneys to ensure that all legal aspects of the process are performed correctly. Design patents are valid for a period covering 14 years following the issue date. This type of patent is only for the ornamental nonfunctional design of a functional item. Some items that have a design patent may also have a copyright or a trademark. Each separately protects from being copied under penalty of law. There are 33 categories of items that can be granted a design patent in the United States. Items include apparel, packaging, musical instruments, games, toys, lighting, cosmetic products and many other items that can incorporate unique nonfunctional designs. (A chart showing all categories can be viewed at: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/design-patents.html.)
The stamp "PAT 537986" on a bracelet indicates that the item is associated with a specific patent, numbered 537986. This suggests that the design or mechanism of the bracelet is protected by intellectual property rights, meaning that the creator has exclusive rights to that particular design or technology. Such stamps are commonly found on jewelry and accessories to denote originality and legal protection. For more specific details about the patent, one would need to look up the patent number in a patent database.
If you want to get a patent for your cool invention, you need to file a design, utility or plant patent application to the government. You can also file this application electronically.
An example of a design patent in the field of product design is the iconic Coca-Cola bottle shape, which is protected by a design patent to prevent others from copying its unique design.
US Design Patent 92148, granted in 1935, represents the ornamental design of a specific bottle. This design patent is part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, where you can find detailed information, including images and descriptions, by searching for the patent number on their official website.
To patent an image, you would need to create a unique and original design that meets the criteria for a design patent. This involves submitting an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) along with detailed drawings or photographs of the image. The image must be novel, non-obvious, and have industrial applicability. Once approved, the design patent will protect your image from being copied or used without your permission for a period of 15 years.
You would need to supply the patent office with detailed images of the design, as part of the application process. Unlike copyright, the patent process is quite elaborate and often requires the assistance of an attorney. For information on US design patent applications, see the link below.
You'll want to file a design patent application. This basically is a special type of patent for people who have a design for a new product.