Advice on obtaining design patents? I don't think we're going to go for a utility patent for our product (the cost/benefit just doesn't work out), but we're considering filing for a design patent.  Any advice from the trenches on getting design patents?  If we have CAD drawings that we can modify ourselves to be appropriate for the filing, do we still need to pay hundreds of dollars to an illustrator?  Is $1500 all-in a reasonable estimate for a design patent (filing fees, lawyer, illustration)?