PDBen-Auto case study
Design patent pre-screen: change the visual relationships, not just the color
Synthetic method example; not legal advice or FTO clearanceQuestion
How can a modular wall-mounted storage rail retain its job-to-be-done while reducing visual similarity to a serious registered-design candidate?
InputProduct brief, required load and installation constraints, public design-right records, and visual comparison views.
Scope findingRisk centers on the rounded continuous body, equal suspended modules, centered bridge, end return, and repeated opening rhythm, not the coating color.
Design-around directionsPlanar spine with integrated pockets, segmented vertical modules, and cantilevered blade shelves.
Prototype gatesLoad testing, supplier forming review, second-pass search, and a check that avoided visual relationships are not restored for cost reasons.
Why it matters
A credible design-around changes multiple high-salience visual relationships while preserving the customer job. It does not rely on a new logo, color, or single slot change as a supposed safe harbor.