Can an invention be patented if it isn't new?
Can an invention be patented if it isn't new?
While you can’t patent an invention that has already been patented, you may be able to patent a particular function or design of it.
A utility patent is appropriate for new or improved inventions. Of course, in your situation, it would be for an improvement on an existing invention and not a patent for a brand new idea.
A design patent doesn’t focus on the use of the product at all. Instead, it focuses on the ornamental features of it. So, if you are creating a brand new look to an existing invention, then this may be protectable under this type of patent.
Source: Quora