Note that design patents are totally different from method patents. If there is a physical/method reason to infringe a design patent to achieve functionality (s

Note that design patents are totally different from method patents. If there is a physical/method reason to infringe a design patent to achieve functionality (say, "not eat through pants pocket cloth") then a design patent can, theoretically, not protect that feature. Monster Cable used to use a design patent to threaten other cable manufacturers, too, seemingly largely without actual standing.