Locking in the Look: Should You Include a Logo in Your Design Patent?

Welcome back, entrepreneurs and creators! Today we are tackling a common and important question in the design patent process: Should you include your logo in the drawings?

On the surface, it may seem like a good idea. After all, your logo is part of your brand identity. But in the world of design patents, what you choose to show and what you leave out can have long-term implications for the strength and flexibility of your protection.

Let’s walk through the strategy.

What Happens if You Include the Logo

If you show the logo in solid lines, you are claiming it as part of the design. That means your patent will only protect versions of the product that include that exact logo, in that exact location and size.

This limits your protection to a very specific version of the design.

For example, if you patent a bottle shape and draw your logo across the front in solid lines, the patent will not cover the bottle without the logo. If a competitor uses the same shape but swaps in a different logo or leaves it blank, your design patent may not apply.

When to Leave the Logo Out

In many cases, it is better to omit the logo entirely from the drawings or to show it in dashed lines. This allows your patent to cover the underlying product shape or visual design, regardless of branding.

Use this approach when:

• The shape or configuration is the real innovation

• You may use multiple logos or update branding over time

• You want broader protection that applies across product lines

Leaving the logo out avoids tying your patent to a single version of your brand identity.

When to Include the Logo Intentionally

There are times when including a logo is a deliberate strategic choice.

Consider including the logo when:

• The logo is integrated into the form or structure of the design

• The appearance of the logo itself is unique and non-functional

• You want to stop lookalikes that mimic your design and logo together

In this case, show the logo in solid lines, and be aware that it will limit your design patent to that exact appearance.

You can also consider filing two versions of the design — one with the logo and one without — if the budget allows.

Key Takeaways

• Including a logo in solid lines limits protection to designs that use that logo

• Leaving the logo out or using dashed lines provides broader protection

• Think ahead. Your brand may evolve, but your patent will stay locked in place

Need a Second Set of Eyes?

Design patents can be powerful tools when filed with intention. If you are unsure whether to include a logo in your application, or want to file multiple versions for strategic coverage, we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Reach out any time to schedule a consultation!