What does MPEP 1500 address?

MPEP 1500 specifically addresses Design Patents. This section of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure outlines the rules, regulations, and procedural requirements for obtaining a design patent, which covers the ornamental design of a functional item. It details the substantive examination process, including the criteria for patentability, which encompasses aspects such as novelty and non-obviousness, as well as the necessary drawings and descriptions that must be submitted with a design patent application.

Design patents are distinct from utility patents, which protect the functional aspects of an invention; therefore, while utility patents focus on how an invention works, design patents are concerned specifically with the aesthetic elements of the design. This distinction is crucial because it determines how applicants should prepare their submissions and what they can expect in terms of patent protection.