What is one of the main characteristics of a Design Patent?

A design patent is primarily characterized by its focus on the ornamental design of a functional item rather than the functional aspects of an invention. The length of a design patent's term is fundamental to understanding its nature, and it is granted for a maximum of 14 years from the date of grant, as specified by U.S. law.

This 14-year term allows the patent holder to exclude others from making, using, selling, or distributing the designed item without permission, thereby providing a period of exclusivity that can be crucial for commercial success.

Other options reflect different characteristics of patents but do not accurately describe design patents. For example, the standard 20-year patent term typically applies to utility patents, while design patents do not have maintenance fee requirements. Hence, understanding the length of protection is key to recognizing the uniqueness of design patents compared to other types of patents.