Are Shoe Designs Really Patentable?
The short answer is yes; shoe designs are patentable. There are two types of patents that you can have, design or utility. Having patents gives you the right to protect your shoe design from others using, selling, producing, or offering to sell a shoe that uses an element protected by your patent.
To determine you have the potential for securing a patent, determine if your shoe has a unique function or design. The next step is to perform a search and confirm that no one has already come up with your idea. You can then prepare and file your application. You’ll then need to track your application’s status and promptly respond to any communications sent by the USPTO.
Upon approval, protection lasts a specific amount of time. A design patent will last for 15 years from the date of approval by the patent office. A utility patent will last for 20 years from the date the patent grants your application.
Once you have patent approval, you can then profit by licensing out the right to use your inventions to shoe manufacturers.