Are color drawings or photographs allowed in patent applications?
Color drawings or photographs are generally not allowed in patent applications without special permission. MPEP 507 states:
OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: … (G) contain color drawings or color photographs, but not a petition to accept color drawings/photographs.
If an applicant wishes to include color drawings or photographs, they must file a petition to accept them. It’s important to note that the requirement for a black and white photocopy of color drawings/photographs has been eliminated. Applicants should be prepared to justify the need for color in their drawings or photographs when filing such a petition.
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 507 - Drawing Review in the Office of Patent Application Processing,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure