What distinguishes a utility patent from a design patent?

A utility patent is fundamentally different from a design patent in that it is intended to protect the functional aspects of an invention. Specifically, utility patents cover new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, compositions of matter, or improvements thereof. This means that if an invention serves a practical purpose or provides a method for achieving a specific function, it can be protected under a utility patent.

In contrast, a design patent specifically protects the ornamental design of an article, meaning its aesthetic appearance rather than its function or utility. Therefore, the essence of what distinguishes a utility patent is its focus on the functional features of an invention, which reflects the intention behind the patent system to promote innovation in both utility and usability in various technological fields.

The other options misrepresent the distinctions between the types of patents. For instance, saying a utility patent protects ornamental designs is incorrect because that would apply to design patents instead. Similarly, a design patent does not protect new and useful inventions in terms of functionality; its sole focus is on the design aspect. Finally, the claim about originality being unnecessary for a design patent does not hold, as novelty and originality are still essential criteria for obtaining any type of patent.