Can the USPTO make changes to patent application drawings?

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.

No, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not make changes to patent application drawings. This is explicitly stated in the MPEP, which provides the following form paragraph for examiners to use:

“The United States Patent and Trademark Office does not make drawing changes. It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the drawings are corrected. Corrections must be made in accordance with the instructions below.”

This means that applicants are solely responsible for making any necessary corrections or changes to their drawings. The USPTO provides instructions on how to make these changes, but does not perform the changes itself. Applicants must follow the proper procedures for submitting corrected or amended drawings as outlined in the MPEP and relevant regulations.