With the release of their 2023 models, KTM took the opportunity to update the plastic styles of their KTM SX and Husqvarna FC / TC series dirt bikes. This, of course, is a common occurrence and didn’t come as a huge surprise. Luckily, we were able to score a set of each early on to create a template and fresh new designs ASAP. You’d normally be able to purchase plastic replicas in a variety of colors from aftermarket manufacturers a few months later.

However, this time around KTM protected their plastic designs with a so-called “utility model patent”. This form of a patent is used to protect more or less “minor inventions” and grants the holder an exclusive right. Through this, other aftermarket manufacturers such as Acerbis or Polisport aren’t allowed to commercially use the protected model for the duration of the patent.