What type of design can be patented as a design patent?

A design patent specifically protects the ornamental aspects of a product rather than its functional features. This means that the design must be primarily aesthetic and not solely utilitarian. In this context, ornamental designs refer to the unique visual qualities of an item that enhance its appearance and distinguish it from other similar items.

A technical design typically involves functional aspects or how a product operates, which falls under utility patents rather than design patents. Functional designs of machinery and conceptual designs without any practical application do not meet the criteria for patentability as design patents focus on the way a product looks rather than how it functions or whether the concept has been realized. Therefore, the focus on ornamental designs aligns with the legal requirements for obtaining a design patent, making this the correct choice for the question.