Nolan Heimann partner David Hoffman recently secured two U.S. design patents for client Bolide, both covering ornamental designs for outdoor TV antennas that receive UHF, VHF, and FM radio signals — a category where over-the-air reception has seen renewed consumer interest as households trim cable and streaming subscriptions.
The first, U.S. Patent No. D1,125,128, protects a multi-element antenna design featuring an array of directional components radiating from a central hub mounted on a tripod-style base. The second, U.S. Patent No. D1,125,129, covers a distinct configuration that pairs a curved reflector panel with a linear element array for a sleeker, more compact silhouette. Both patents issued on May 5, 2026, and carry a 15-year term.
The patented designs are featured on antennas currently sold on Amazon under the Five Star brand, marketed as long-range outdoor HDTV antennas capable of pulling in broadcast signals from significant distances.
Unlike utility patents, which protect how an invention works, design patents protect how a product looks — its ornamental appearance. For consumer product companies operating in crowded marketplaces like home electronics, a strong design patent portfolio can be a critical tool for distinguishing genuine products from copycats and building brand equity around a recognizable visual identity. Securing protection across multiple distinct designs, as Bolide has done here, gives the company a broader footprint to defend against knockoffs while leaving room to evolve future product lines.