When are drawings required in a patent application?

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.

According to 35 U.S.C. 113, drawings are required ‘where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented.’ Specifically:

• For applications filed on or after December 18, 2013 (except design applications), drawings are not required to receive a filing date, but may still be necessary to fully disclose the invention.
• For applications filed before December 18, 2013, drawings were required at filing if necessary for understanding the invention.
• Design applications must include drawings to receive a filing date.

The USPTO recommends including drawings in most cases, as they help ensure the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 113 are met for any claimed invention.