What is the procedure for canceling a figure in a patent application?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

When canceling a figure in a patent application, the following procedure should be followed:

• Submit a replacement sheet of drawings without the canceled figure.
• If the canceled figure was the only drawing on the sheet, provide a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet with an annotation showing the cancellation.
• Label the marked-up copy as “Annotated Sheet”.
• Present the annotated sheet in the amendment or remarks section explaining the changes.
• Amend the brief description of the drawings to reflect the change.

This procedure is outlined in MPEP 608.02(t), which states: “If a drawing figure is canceled, a replacement sheet of drawings must be submitted without the figure (see 37 CFR 1.121(d)). If the canceled drawing figure was the only drawing on the sheet, then only a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet including an annotation showing that the drawing has been cancelled is required.”