§ 171. Patents for designs

• (a) Whoever invents any new, original and ornamental design for an article of manufacture may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
• (b) The provisions of this title relating to patents for inventions shall apply to patents for designs, except as otherwise provided.
• (c) The filing date of an application for patent for design shall be the date on which the specification as prescribed by section 112 and any required drawings are filed.

§ 172. Right of priority

• (a) through
• (d) of section 119 shall be six months in the case of designs. The right of priority provided for by section 119(e) shall not apply to designs.

§ 173. Term of design patent

Patents for designs shall be granted for the term of 15 years from the date of grant.