What is the purpose of OPAP’s drawing review in patent applications?
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.
The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) performs an initial review of drawings in new utility and plant patent applications to determine whether the drawings can be effectively scanned for publication purposes. As stated in the MPEP:
“OPAP inspects the drawings to see if they can be effectively scanned and adequately reproduced.”
This review ensures that the drawings meet the necessary quality standards for publication and reproduction.
For more information on drawing review, visit: drawing review.
For more information on OPAP, visit: OPAP.