When the first Xiaomi SU7 rolled off the production line, headlines celebrated its acceleration times, sleek curves, and cutting-edge aerodynamics. But the real milestone for Xiaomi happened months earlier, in a far less glamorous setting—the patent office.

In January 2023, Xiaomi filed and later secured design patent CN307993333S in China. Industry trackers like GreyB and Formacar flagged this filing as unusually comprehensive for a first-time automaker, reflecting Xiaomi’s strategic approach to protecting its debut vehicle.

For start-ups, suppliers, and design studios, the SU7’s case offers valuable lessons on how to turn a product’s appearance into a protected asset. Here are four key takeaways to consider when building your own IP roadmap.

1. Securing long-term exclusivity on the design

Xiaomi’s design protection extends until January 2038, covering nearly an entire product cycle. This long-term exclusivity gives Xiaomi the ability to defend the SU7’s distinctive design elements, such as the teardrop-shaped cabin and the integrated light blade at the front. It ensures Xiaomi maintains control over its unique visual identity and prevents copycat designs from diluting its brand value.

2. Integrating aerodynamics into design filings

Unlike many filings that focus solely on surface appearance, Xiaomi’s application included functional aerodynamic elements. These design features are not just for looks—they play a role in performance and efficiency. By protecting these elements, Xiaomi makes it harder for competitors to replicate the SU7’s key shapes without infringing on its intellectual property.

This shows how design filings can bridge form and function, safeguarding both style and performance-related features when they are visually distinctive.

3. Treating interior and user experience as a single visual unit

Instead of filing separately for the dashboard, steering wheel, and central screen, Xiaomi bundled its entire interior design into one unified filing. This approach simplifies protection by covering all interior elements together, reduces costs compared to multiple separate filings, and reinforces a cohesive user experience, which is crucial in the EV and smart vehicle space.

For lean teams or start-ups, this tactic can maximize protection while staying budget-conscious.

4. Timing the reveal with patent publication

The SU7 was unveiled only after its patent was officially published, preserving the design’s novelty and preventing competitors from filing similar designs ahead of Xiaomi.

A premature reveal can weaken your IP position. Synchronizing your public launch with the patent timeline safeguards originality and prevents others from filing around your core features.

From concept to grant in under 12 months

The SU7 filing process was notably fast. Xiaomi submitted 42 detailed drawings and comprehensive novelty statements. With careful preparation, the patent moved through examination in less than a year, showing that speed is possible when design and legal teams work closely together.

How Gomax helps start-ups replicate this success

At Gomax, we have distilled lessons from cases like the Xiaomi SU7 into a three-step service package designed for start-ups and design teams looking to protect their creations.

1. Design Freeze Audit – A 48-hour      prior-art search using AI shape-matching technology to check for novelty      before prototypes are built, reducing risk and wasted resources.

2. 3D-to-Claim Mapping –      Converting CAD files into compliant patent drawings for CN, EU, and US      standards, cutting illustrator costs and ensuring global filing readiness.

3. Fast-Track Filing – With      in-house CNIPA and USPTO representatives, clean designs can be filed in as      little as 15 days, with many patents granted within 12 months.

Protecting your IP with Gomax International

Gomax International provides end-to-end support for innovators who want to secure their intellectual property worldwide. Whether you are developing a micro-mobility concept, a next-generation SUV, or advanced consumer electronics, Gomax helps you move from design concept to protected IP quickly and efficiently.

Our international network ensures your filings meet the standards of key jurisdictions like China, the United States, and Europe. By combining legal expertise, advanced tools, and fast execution, we help you safeguard your ideas before they reach the market.

In today’s competitive landscape, investors and customers look for companies that can defend their innovations as strongly as they develop them. Gomax International works with you to transform your designs into lasting assets that protect your market position and support long-term business growth.