Do I need to submit a replacement sheet when canceling a patent drawing figure?

Yes, in most cases, you need to submit a replacement sheet when canceling a patent drawing figure. However, there is an exception:

  • If the canceled figure was the only drawing on the sheet, you only need to submit a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet with an annotation showing the cancellation.
  • In all other cases, you must submit a replacement sheet of drawings without the canceled figure.

MPEP 608.02(t) states: “If a drawing figure is canceled, a replacement sheet of drawings must be submitted without the figure (see 37 CFR 1.121(d)). If the canceled drawing figure was the only drawing on the sheet, then only a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet including an annotation showing that the drawing has been cancelled is required.”

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Topics: Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Drawing Amendments, Figure Cancellation, patent drawings, Replacement Sheet