When Are Patent Drawings NOT Required?

Hi ,

It is almost always a requirement to file patent drawings with a patent application. There are some exceptions to this rule – however, even when there are exceptions, it’s often advisable to go ahead and include a patent drawing anyway.

The US Patent and Trademark Office says the following about drawings for utility patent applications:

A patent application is required to contain drawings if drawings are necessary to understand the subject matter to be patented. Most patent applications contain drawings. The drawings must show every feature of the invention as specified in the claims. A drawing necessary to understand the invention cannot be introduced into an application after the filing date of the application because of the prohibition against new matter.

For design patents, there is no option about drawings: drawings are required, and the drawing IS the claim. As stated above for utility applications, drawings are only needed if they are “necessary to understand the subject matter.”

You may feel you can explain the invention perfectly clearly – but as the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and since even if you can explain it without a drawing, the drawing will make the invention clearer, you’re well advised to include one or more drawings.

Read Full Article Here

Thanks

Aravind

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