🧰 Free Design Patent Kit: Complete Filing Guide for Inventors

What’s Required

Your design patent specification must include:

1. Title of the Invention
2. Figure Descriptions
3. Single Claim
4. (Optional) Description of broken lines

Sample Specification (Adaptable)

TITLE: Fancy Widget
DESCRIPTION:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fancy widget showing my new design;
FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;
FIG. 4 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 5 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a top view thereof;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view thereof.

The broken lines in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and form no part of the claimed design.

CLAIM:
The ornamental design for a fancy widget, as shown and described.

Can I Just Reuse the Sample?

Yes — you can reuse the sample specification template as long as your drawing figures follow the same order and format.

• If your drawing views match the sample (e.g. FIG. 1: perspective, FIG. 2: front, etc.), you likely don’t need to change anything but the title.
• If you add or remove figures, or use different labeling, update the description section to reflect the new figure order.
• If your design doesn’t use broken lines, you can simply remove that line from the description.

Want to See Real Examples?

You can view official specifications in real, granted design patents. Here’s how:

• Go to: https://patents.google.com
• Search for an issued design patent (e.g. USD100000S, USD950000S, etc.)
• Scroll to the “Description” and “Claims” sections of the page

This is a great way to see how simple and standardized most specifications are.

If you qualify as a Micro Entity, the USPTO offers a 75% discount on many filing fees — including your design patent application.

Who Qualifies?

Most individual inventors or startups will qualify. You must certify that:

• Your gross income is below the threshold (around $225,000/year recently)
• You have not been named on more than 4 prior U.S. non-provisional applications

⚠️ You must sign this certification under penalty of perjury, so review carefully.

How to Complete the Form (SB/15A)

1. Download the official Certification of Micro Entity Status (Gross Income Basis) form below.
   • Visit the USPTO’s Forms page (https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/forms) and scroll to the “Fees” section. - Then choose the form labeled: Certification of Micro Entity Status - Gross Income Basis
2. Fill in:
   • Your name and title of the invention
   • Leave the other fields blank (unless you have additional inventors)
3. At the bottom, sign, print your name, add the date, and optionally a phone number

✍️ Each inventor must fill and sign separately (if more than one).

The Application Data Sheet (ADS) is completed online during filing — there is no separate document to prepare in advance. The USPTO will guide you through it step by step.

✅ All required information (inventor name, title, contact info, entity status) is entered directly into the online portal.
💳 Fees are paid electronically at the end of submission — credit card or deposit account accepted.

💻 How to File the Application Online

1. Go to the USPTO Patent Center
2. Select “File a new application” and choose Design Application
3. Complete the online ADS form with:
   • Inventor name & address
   • Title of the invention
   • Applicant & correspondence info
   • Entity status (select Micro Entity if applicable)
4. Upload your four PDF documents:
   • Specification
   • Drawings
   • Oath/Declaration
   • Micro Entity Certification (SB/15A)
5. Submit & pay fees

💵 Required Fees for a Basic Design Patent Application (Micro Entity)

These are the core three fees required for filing a new design patent:

• Basic Design Application Filing Fee: $60.00
• Design Search Fee: $60.00
• Design Examination Fee: $140.00

These total $260.00 and are the only mandatory fees for a regular, timely, new design application under micro entity status.

🎥 Need Help?

Our step-by-step video tutorial shows the entire USPTO online process, screen by screen.