The term of a design patent is ten years. If this term expires, can others use the patent?

After the patent rights expire, the design is no longer protected by the patent.

However, whether others can use it depends on whether the design complies with the relevant provisions of the copyright law. If so, it is protected by copyright.

Generally, if the design contains a pattern that can be used as a work of art, or can be used as a component of a sculpture or other work protected by copyright, it will also be protected by copyright.