How are drawing corrections handled during the Notice of Allowance process?
Drawing corrections are an important aspect of the Notice of Allowance process. The MPEP 1303 provides specific guidance on how these corrections are handled:
“If drawings are required in the application, the examiner should indicate if the formal drawings are acceptable or if corrected drawings are required.”
The process for handling drawing corrections includes:
- The examiner assesses the acceptability of the drawings.
- If corrections are needed, the examiner specifies the required changes.
- The applicant is given a three-month period to submit corrected drawings.
- If the drawings are acceptable, this is noted on the Notice of Allowability (Form PTOL-37).
It’s important to note that the issuance of the patent may be delayed if the required drawing corrections are not submitted in a timely manner.
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