A design patent protects the ornamentality of an article of manufacture. It only covers the decorative or visual appearance and does not protect the functionality of the product. A design patent is especially good for protecting ornamentation that connotes brand identity, like a trademark. The same product may have one or more functional features protected by conventional patents, and a design patent may be used to independently protect its visual appearance.
We have a team of attorneys who specialize in design patents and they would be delighted to help with any of your design patent needs.