How should the description of figures be written in a design 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.

The description of figures in a design patent application should follow specific guidelines as outlined in MPEP 1503.01:

“The specification should include a description of the figures, describing the view shown in each of the drawings.”

Here are key points to consider:

• Each figure should be briefly described.
• The description should indicate what view is being shown (e.g., front, back, top, perspective).
• Avoid describing the design or pointing out features.
• Use a standard format, such as “Figure 1 is a front elevation view of [article].”

For example:

“Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chair;
Figure 2 is a front elevation view thereof;
Figure 3 is a side elevation view thereof.”