Patenting My Design: What It Cost, What I Learned & What Nobody Told Me
You spent hours creating your design. Before you spend thousands protecting it, learn what the patent process actually involves from a designer who's been through it.
As an independent fashion designer, protecting your creativity can feel just as important as creating it. But what does it actually take to get a design patented? How much does it cost? And what happens when someone copies your work, even after you’ve obtained a patent?
In this exclusive 23-page digital e-book, Cierra Boyd, founder of FriskMeGood, shares her firsthand experience obtaining a U.S. design patent for her signature sneaker corset.
From entering a fashion design competition in 2019 to officially receiving her patent in September 2022, Cierra takes readers behind the scenes of her journey, sharing the steps she took, the challenges she faced, and the financial realities of protecting intellectual property as an independent designer.
Through personal stories, real photographs, official patent illustrations, and practical resources, this guide provides an honest look at a process many emerging designers know very little about.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
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Understanding Intellectual Property: The differences between design patents, utility patents, trademarks, and copyrights—and what each one actually protects.
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Finding a Patent Attorney: How Cierra found her attorney, what happened during her consultation, and what aspiring designers should consider before hiring legal representation.
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Preparing Your Application: The photographs, illustrations, and preparation involved in her design patent application.
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The Real Cost of Getting Patented: What Cierra spent, how she handled payments, and additional expenses designers should research.
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The Patent Application Process: What happened between filing her application in 2020 and receiving her patent in 2022.
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Licensing & Royalties: Exploring opportunities to license a patented design and recognizing potential red flags.
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The Reality of Design Copying: Cierra’s experience with a fast-fashion retailer and what she learned while exploring her legal options.
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The Cost of Patent Enforcement: Why obtaining a patent and having the financial resources to enforce it are two very different things.
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Was It Worth It?: An honest reflection on whether she would make the same investment again.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ 23-page illustrated digital e-book (PDF)
✓ Real photographs of original FriskMeGood designs
✓ Official U.S. patent documents and technical illustrations
✓ Personal insights from Cierra’s patent journey
✓ Educational resources and intellectual property information
✓ Printable checklist to help you prepare before investing in patent protection
WHO IS THIS E-BOOK FOR?
This guide is designed for aspiring fashion designers, independent clothing brand owners, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in learning more about the realities of patenting an original design.
Whether you’re considering your first patent application or simply want to better understand intellectual property in the fashion industry, this e-book offers a firsthand perspective on what to expect.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cierra Boyd is the founder and designer behind FriskMeGood, an independent fashion brand known for transforming sneakers and unconventional materials into wearable fashion.
In 2022, Cierra was granted U.S. Design Patent D963,288 S for her signature sneaker corset.
Through this guide, she shares the lessons she learned throughout the patent process and the realities of navigating intellectual property protection while building an independent fashion business.
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD INFORMATION
Format: PDF E-Book
Length: 23 Pages
Delivery: Instant Digital Download
After completing your purchase, you will receive an email containing a link to download your e-book.
This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped.
Please note: Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final, except where refunds are required by applicable law.
DISCLAIMER
This e-book is based on the author’s personal experiences and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Patent laws, regulations, and fees may change. Readers should consult the USPTO or a qualified legal professional for guidance regarding their individual circumstances.
