What happens if drawings need correction before patent issuance?

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.

When an application is ready for issuance but requires drawing corrections, the following process occurs:

• The application is processed for allowance in the Technology Center.
• It is then forwarded to the Office of Data Management.
• Any subsequently filed papers, including replacement drawings, are matched with the application file.

If the submitted drawings are still not acceptable for publishing, the Office will take action. As stated in the MPEP:

“If the drawings that are received are still not acceptable for publishing, the Office will mail a “Notice to File Corrected Application Papers,” giving the applicant a time period in which to file the corrected drawings.”

This notice provides the applicant with an opportunity to submit corrected drawings that meet the Office’s publishing standards.