What types of drawing issues can OPAP object to in a patent application?

OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period for several issues. According to the MPEP, these include:

• Line quality that is too light to be reproduced
• Illegible text
• Missing lead lines
• Excessive text or non-English text
• Incorrect margins or paper size
• Improper figure labeling
• Illegible photographs that could be illustrated by ink drawings
• Color drawings or photographs without a proper petition

For example, regarding line quality, MPEP 507 states:

“OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: (A) have a line quality that is too light to be reproduced (weight of all lines and letters must be heavy enough to permit adequate reproduction) or text that is illegible (reference characters, sheet numbers, and view numbers must be plain and legible). See 37 CFR 1.84(l) and (p)(1)“

For more information on drawing requirements, visit: drawing requirements.

For more information on OPAP, visit: OPAP.

For more information on patent drawings, visit: patent drawings.