What are the requirements for submitting new drawing sheets in reexamination?

When submitting new drawing sheets in a reexamination proceeding, there are specific requirements that must be followed:

1. New sheets must be submitted for each drawing sheet that is changed or amended.
2. If a new drawing sheet contains multiple figures, each figure must be properly identified according to 37 CFR 1.530(d)(3):

“Amended figures must be identified as “Amended,” and any added figure must be identified as “New.” In the event a figure is canceled, the figure must be surrounded by brackets and identified as “Canceled.”

It’s important to note that:

• Changes cannot be made on the original patent drawings.
• It is not sufficient to generally indicate that the entire sheet is amended (e.g., by placing “Amended” in the header of the drawing sheet).
• Each individual figure that has been amended must be clearly marked as “Amended.”
• New figures must be identified as “New.”
• Canceled figures must be surrounded by brackets and labeled “Canceled.”

After proper identification and labeling, the new sheets of drawings should be entered into the reexamination file.

To learn more:

• patent drawings
• reexamination
• drawing amendments
• USPTO procedures