What are the consequences of not addressing drawing objections?
Failing to address drawing objections can have serious consequences for a patent application. According to MPEP 608.02(e), the primary consequence is the potential abandonment of the application. The MPEP states:
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application.
Additionally, it’s important to note that drawing objections cannot be held in abeyance. The MPEP clarifies:
Unless applicant is otherwise notified in an Office action, objections to the drawings in a utility or plant application will not be held in abeyance, and a request to hold objections to the drawings in abeyance will not be considered a bona fide attempt to advance the application to final action.
This means that failing to address drawing objections can prevent the application from progressing, potentially leading to delays or even abandonment.
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