Do I need to renumber figures after cancelling non-elected designs in an international design application?
No, you do not need to renumber figures after cancelling non-elected designs in an international design application. In fact, it is recommended that you maintain the original numbering to ensure consistency with the published International Registration.
As stated in MPEP 2920.05(b): “Renumbering of the figures following cancellation of non-elected embodiments is not required.“
The MPEP further advises: “To maintain consistency with the published International Registration, it is recommended that the numbering of the drawing figures included in the elected Group not be changed even if non-elected embodiments are cancelled.”
However, any amendments to the drawing figures should comply with 37 CFR 1.1026 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions, particularly Section 405 regarding the numbering of reproductions.
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