MPEP § 608.02(v) — Drawing Changes Which Require Annotated Sheets (Annotated Rules)

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 608.02(v), including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Drawing Changes Which Require Annotated Sheets

This section addresses Drawing Changes Which Require Annotated Sheets. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.84(c).

Key Rules

Mandatory Requirements (2)

StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-608-02-v-54f7fa9bf9c1d4eb50b8164c]
Marked-Up Copy Must Be Labeled Annotated Sheet
Note:
A marked-up copy of the drawing, showing changes, must be clearly labeled as 'Annotated Sheet' for filing.

When changes are to be made in the drawing itself, other than mere changes in reference characters, designations of figures, or inking over lines pale and rough, a marked-up copy of the drawing should be filed with a replacement drawing. The marked-up copy must be clearly labeled as “Annotated Sheet.” See 37 CFR 1.84(c) and 1.121(d). Ordinarily, broken lines may be changed to full without a sketch.

StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-608-02-v-5d8b231af4b1f9f72267f85d]
Annotated Sheets for Drawing Corrections Must Be In Ink
Note:
Annotated sheets submitted by applicants for drawing corrections must be in ink or permanent prints and will not be returned.

Annotated sheets filed by an applicant and used for correction of the drawing will not be returned. All such annotated sheets must be in ink or permanent prints.

Conditional Requirements (1)

StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-608-02-v-a8c0679927f09e1da36eed20]
Annotated Sheet Requirement for Drawing Changes
Note:
A marked-up copy of the drawing must be filed with a replacement drawing when changes are made, excluding minor reference character or inking over line changes.

When changes are to be made in the drawing itself, other than mere changes in reference characters, designations of figures, or inking over lines pale and rough, a marked-up copy of the drawing should be filed with a replacement drawing. The marked-up copy must be clearly labeled as “Annotated Sheet.” See 37 CFR 1.84(c) and 1.121(d). Ordinarily, broken lines may be changed to full without a sketch.

Permitted Actions (1)

StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-608-02-v-2345dac8df900640e8644551]
Ordinary Line Changes Require Annotated Sheets
Note:
When changing broken lines to full lines in drawings, an annotated sheet must be filed unless otherwise specified.

When changes are to be made in the drawing itself, other than mere changes in reference characters, designations of figures, or inking over lines pale and rough, a marked-up copy of the drawing should be filed with a replacement drawing. The marked-up copy must be clearly labeled as “Annotated Sheet.” See 37 CFR 1.84(c) and 1.121(d). Ordinarily, broken lines may be changed to full without a sketch.

Citations

Primary topicCitation
37 CFR § 1.84(c)

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31