有关外观设计中“功能性设计”的分析

Analysis of "Functional Feature" in Designs

目前主流观点认为功能性设计不能得到外观设计的保护,但是笔者认为,外观设计所排除的其实是整个外观设计的设计都是由功能决定的功能性部件的外观设计,同时包括功能性设计与装饰性设计的外观设计仍然属于外观设计保护的客体,其中的功能性设计仍然属于该外观设计的保护范围。在判定功能性设计时,可以对"唯一限定原则"进行适当的拓展。

To date, the mainstream view is that a functional feature should be excluded from the protection of the design patent For this writer, however, what is excluded from the subject matter susceptible to the design protection is, in fact, the design of a functional-decided functional component Meanwhile, designs including both functional features and ornamental features are still subject matter of design protection, and the former still falls into the scope of design In determining a functional feature, the 'sole defining doctrine' may be properly broadened.