What are the requirements for drawings in a PCT application?

Drawings in a PCT application must adhere to specific requirements as outlined in MPEP 1825 and PCT Rule 11. Key requirements include:

  • Drawings are required when necessary for understanding the invention.
  • They must be on separate sheets and cannot be included in the description, claims, or abstract.
  • Sheets must be A4 size (29.7 cm x 21 cm) with specific margin requirements.
  • Drawings should be executed in black, with uniformly thick and well-defined lines.
  • Text in drawings should be minimal and only when absolutely necessary.
  • Figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals.

As stated in the MPEP, “Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract.

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Tags: drawing requirements, International Patent Application, patent illustrations, pct drawings