Digital and new technology designs

Technological developments and related environments that use industrial designs, such as the computer-generated icons that are integral to the operation of computer systems, have called into question US design patent law regarding its ability to protect designs digitally and digitally. New technical environment. In particular, new designs in the digital economy in the form of projection, hologram, virtual and augmented reality (PHVAR) are creating new challenges and considerations for industrial design protection systems worldwide. Many jurisdictions have recently modified or are actively considering amendments to their design protection laws and practices to accommodate these technological advances and provide better protection for these designs.

On December 21, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a federal registration notice seeking public opinion on whether the USPTO's interpretation of manufacturing requirements in the US Digital Design Act should be revised to protect what is new and promising. . Technique. Comments received in response to this notice are available on the bylaws . A report summarizing the answers was published by the USPTO in April 2022.

In addition, the USPTO, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Industrial Design Forum (ID5), is leading efforts to adapt global practices to these new technologies and inform stakeholders about US practices. Recent activities and reports include:

• USPTO Report: Summary of Public Opinion on Product Requirements 35 USC 171 (April 2022)
• USPTO Event: International Forum for the Protection of Design (February 2021)
• ID5 Project Report: Exploring New Technology Safeguards Practices (November 2016)
• WIPO Report: Analysis of Questionnaire Answers, Graphical User Interface (GUI), Icons and Fonts/Font Types (January 2017)
• WIPO Report: Summary of Graphical User Interface (GUI) Highlights, Icons and Fonts/Types (February 2018)
• WIPO Report: Analysis of Responses to the Second Questionnaire on GUI Design, Illustrations and Fonts (March 2021)