Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of useful inventions. This application does not deal with how the invention is constructed or how it works, but only with what it looks like. Appearance factors such as shape, proportion, surface texture, embossing, relief, and colors are important. Preparation fee:From $1,800 Filing fees: $200 Term: 14 years from issuance date Typical time to issuance: 1 year Maintenance Fees: None