What are the consequences of failing to correct drawing objections in a patent application?
Failing to correct drawing objections in a patent application can have serious consequences. The MPEP outlines several important points regarding drawing corrections:
- A utility or plant application will not be placed on the files for examination until drawing objections have been corrected.
- Objections to drawings in utility or plant applications will not be held in abeyance.
- A request to hold objections to drawings in abeyance will not be considered a bona fide attempt to advance the application to final action.
- Failure to submit acceptable corrected drawings within the set period will result in abandonment of the application.
The MPEP states: “A utility or plant application will not be placed on the files for examination until objections to the drawings have been corrected. Except as provided in § 1.215(c), any patent application publication will not include drawings filed after the application has been placed on the files for examination. 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 (§ 1.135(c)).“
This emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing drawing objections to avoid delays in examination or potential abandonment of the application.
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