What happens if drawings are not timely filed in response to a USPTO notice?

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.

If drawings are not timely filed in response to a notice from the USPTO or a letter from the examiner requiring a drawing, the consequences are severe:

• The application becomes abandoned for failure to reply.

The MPEP clearly states: If a drawing is not timely received in reply to a notice from the Office or a letter from the examiner who requires a drawing, the application becomes abandoned for failure to reply.

This underscores the importance of promptly responding to USPTO notices and examiner requirements regarding drawings. For information on handling replacement drawings, refer to MPEP § 608.02(h).