 Do you need a design patent or a utility patent? Design patents protect the look or ornamental features or appearance of an idea, whereas utility patents protect the function or the use behind a new concept. A lot of ideas are protected using both types of patents, so you protect the look and the function. For example, Apple has several patents on their iPhone. Some are design patents that protect the unique look of the phone, and others are utility patents that protect particular functionalities or use. You might need both for your idea.