Can a design patent application include a characteristic feature statement?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Yes, a design patent application can include a characteristic feature statement. According to MPEP 1503.01 : “A characteristic feature statement may be included in the specification. Such a statement could be used, for example, to describe a feature of the design that is considered by the applicant to be a feature of novelty or non-obviousness over the prior art.” Key points about characteristic feature statements: They are optional and not required for all design patent applications. They can highlight unique or novel aspects of the design. The statement should be brief and to the point. It should not include a detailed description of the entire design. Example: “The characteristic feature of the design resides in the curved backrest as shown in the drawings.” Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Design Patent Application Requires Utility Patent Elements MPEP 1503 Required Single Claim Required for Design Patent MPEP 1503.01 Required Design Patent Specification Must Follow 37 CFR 1.154 MPEP 1503 Design Patent Application Must Contain Only One Claim MPEP 1503.01 Permitted Drawings Required for Design Patents MPEP 1503 No Description Required for Design MPEP 1503.01 Required Description of Nature and Use May Be in Preamble If Broad Title Used MPEP 1503.01 Permitted Description of Article Must Match Title Terminology MPEP 1503.01 Recommended All Design Portions Are Material MPEP 1503.01 Preamble Must Include Applicant, Design Title, and Article Description MPEP 1503.01 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should broken lines be described in a design patent specification? What is the purpose of the specification in a design patent applicati...