The USPTO issued 21256 design patents in 2011, which is down slightly from 2010 (22799) continuing the downward trend since 2008 when issuances peaked at 25,565. The vast majority of design patents issue without a year of filing, although in 2011, two design patents: D635989 and D637616, both filed on June 14, 1991, issued, after pending well longer than their 14 year terms.

Written by Bryan K. Wheelock