MPEP § 1825 — The Drawings (Annotated Rules)

§1825 The Drawings

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1825, 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.

The Drawings

This section addresses The Drawings. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.437 and 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). Contains: 6 requirements, 3 prohibitions, 1 guidance statement, 4 permissions, and 10 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

8 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-1bd30d0a5125a10eb6540688]
Drawings Must Be On Separate Sheets
Note:
The drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets and cannot include text except for essential words. They should not be included in the description, claims, or abstract.

Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract. They may not contain text matter, except a single word or words when absolutely indispensable. Note that if the drawings contain text matter not in English but in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau for processing in its capacity as a Receiving Office. See 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). If the drawings contain text matter not in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii)Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Abstract RequirementsPCT Description Requirements
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1825-a7fb540889ed83a4e47c77b9]
Drawings Not Included in Description, Claims, Abstract
Note:
Drawings must be presented on separate sheets and cannot contain text except for a single word or words when absolutely necessary. If the drawings include non-English text not accepted by the International Bureau, the application may be denied an international filing date.

Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract. They may not contain text matter, except a single word or words when absolutely indispensable. Note that if the drawings contain text matter not in English but in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau for processing in its capacity as a Receiving Office. See 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). If the drawings contain text matter not in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii)Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Abstract RequirementsPCT Description Requirements
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1825-9a814e1626818ce5f068d8a2]
Drawings Must Contain Minimal Text
Note:
Drawings must include only essential text, if any, and cannot contain descriptive matter.

Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract. They may not contain text matter, except a single word or words when absolutely indispensable. Note that if the drawings contain text matter not in English but in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau for processing in its capacity as a Receiving Office. See 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). If the drawings contain text matter not in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii)Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Abstract RequirementsPCT Description Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-91841b120ba59d3ae69aaf37]
Drawings May Contain Foreign Text
Note:
If drawings contain text not in English but in a language accepted by the International Bureau, the application will be processed as an international filing.

Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract. They may not contain text matter, except a single word or words when absolutely indispensable. Note that if the drawings contain text matter not in English but in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau for processing in its capacity as a Receiving Office. See 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). If the drawings contain text matter not in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii)Article 19 Amendment ScopeReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT Article 19 Amendments
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-d7752beeaebd88a1ad765740]
Text Not In Accepted Language Denies Filing Date
Note:
If drawings contain text not in a language accepted by the International Bureau, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Drawings must be presented on one or more separate sheets. They may not be included in the description, the claims or the abstract. They may not contain text matter, except a single word or words when absolutely indispensable. Note that if the drawings contain text matter not in English but in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau for processing in its capacity as a Receiving Office. See 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii). If the drawings contain text matter not in a language accepted under PCT Rule 12.1(a) by the International Bureau as a Receiving Office, the application will be denied an international filing date.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.412(c)(6)(ii)Article 19 Amendment ScopeInternational Filing DateReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-a5cf3a56901cdc63945b92d5]
Photographs May Be Used for Undrawable Features
Note:
Photographs are permitted by the International Bureau when drawings cannot adequately represent certain features, such as crystalline structures.

The PCT makes no provision for photographs. Nevertheless, they are allowed by the International Bureau where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (for instance, crystalline structures). Where, exceptionally, photographs are submitted, they must be on sheets of A4 size, they must be black and white, and they must respect the minimum margins and admit of direct reproduction. Color photographs are not accepted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Drawing RequirementsPCT Article 19 Amendments
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-7bf3b1b9970023d586724459]
Photographs Must Be Black and White on A4 Size Sheets
Note:
Where photographs are exceptionally submitted, they must be black and white, on A4 size sheets with minimum margins and capable of direct reproduction.

The PCT makes no provision for photographs. Nevertheless, they are allowed by the International Bureau where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (for instance, crystalline structures). Where, exceptionally, photographs are submitted, they must be on sheets of A4 size, they must be black and white, and they must respect the minimum margins and admit of direct reproduction. Color photographs are not accepted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Drawing RequirementsPCT Article 19 Amendments
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-e384fc5e76c4b197824683e3]
Color photographs are not accepted for drawings.
Note:
Black and white photographs must be submitted on A4 size sheets with proper margins and can be directly reproduced.

The PCT makes no provision for photographs. Nevertheless, they are allowed by the International Bureau where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (for instance, crystalline structures). Where, exceptionally, photographs are submitted, they must be on sheets of A4 size, they must be black and white, and they must respect the minimum margins and admit of direct reproduction. Color photographs are not accepted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Drawing RequirementsPCT Article 19 Amendments
Topic

Patent Cooperation Treaty

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-26296256b45635ef86b8404c]
Drawings Must Be Necessary for Understanding Invention
Note:
Patent Cooperation Treaty requires drawings to be included when necessary for understanding the invention.

(a) Drawings are required when they are necessary for the understanding of the invention (PCT Art. 7).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-489161884c0709dd541da7cd]
PCT Drawings Must Adhere to Physical Standards
Note:
Patent Cooperation Treaty drawings must comply with the physical requirements specified in PCT Rule 11.

(b) The physical requirements for drawings are set forth in PCT Rule 11 and shall be adhered to.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-0f6992d61a59c0a905764677]
Detailed Physical Requirements for Drawings
Note:
PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 specify that drawings must be executed with black, uniformly thick lines and may not require new drawings if national standards are met.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation TreatyNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-ac443ac7d940d514f66a8f1a]
Examiner May Require New Drawings If International Phase Drawings Do Not Comply With PCT Rule 11
Note:
The examiner may request new drawings if the ones submitted during the international phase do not meet the requirements specified in PCT Rule 11.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation TreatyNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-5f2adc3e364fe465bdb1cef5]
Photographs Not Allowed Except for Crystalline Structures
Note:
The PCT does not allow photographs, but they may be submitted for crystalline structures on A4 size black and white sheets with proper margins.

The PCT makes no provision for photographs. Nevertheless, they are allowed by the International Bureau where it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (for instance, crystalline structures). Where, exceptionally, photographs are submitted, they must be on sheets of A4 size, they must be black and white, and they must respect the minimum margins and admit of direct reproduction. Color photographs are not accepted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation TreatyArticle 19 Amendment ScopePCT Drawing Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-6139a9ba604128055abafdb7]
Omission of Drawings Sheet Requires New Filing Date
Note:
Except for applications filed after April 1, 2007, omitting an entire sheet of drawings requires a new filing date unless the application contains a priority claim and proper incorporation by reference.

The procedure for rectification of obvious mistakes in the drawings is explained in MPEP § 1836. The omission of an entire sheet of drawings cannot be rectified without affecting the international filing date, except in applications filed on or after April 1, 2007, where, if the application, on its initial receipt date, contained a priority claim and a proper incorporation by reference statement, the original international filing date may be retained if the submitted correction was completely contained in the earlier application. See PCT Rules 4.18 and 20.6. Rectifications of obvious mistakes are not considered to be amendments.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Patent Cooperation TreatyInternational Filing DateCompetent Authority for Rectification
Topic

Nationals and Residents

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-5a35954b47cb319dd4cb1399]
Drawings Must Be Included When Necessary for Understanding Invention
Note:
The international application must include drawings if they are necessary for understanding the invention. Additionally, where drawings can illustrate the nature of the invention, applicants may include them and designated offices may require their submission during the national phase.

The international application must contain drawings when they are necessary for the understanding of the invention. Moreover where, without drawings being actually necessary for the understanding of the invention, its nature admits of illustration by drawings, the applicant may include such drawings and any designated Office may require the applicant to file such drawings during the national phase. Flow sheets and diagrams are considered drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-faf299272de3c2b0db775273]
Flow Sheets and Diagrams Are Considered Drawings
Note:
Flow sheets and diagrams are required to be included in the international application if they aid in understanding the invention, even if not strictly necessary.

The international application must contain drawings when they are necessary for the understanding of the invention. Moreover where, without drawings being actually necessary for the understanding of the invention, its nature admits of illustration by drawings, the applicant may include such drawings and any designated Office may require the applicant to file such drawings during the national phase. Flow sheets and diagrams are considered drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-0f9ce2f118a2b4b99617be7d]
Drawings Must Be Executed With Drafting Instrument
Note:
All lines in drawings must be drawn with a drafting instrument and executed in black, uniformly thick, and well-defined lines.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-98dbf99ee3fb50bcab157e9b]
Color Drawings Not Acceptable
Note:
Black and well-defined lines are required for drawings; color drawings are prohibited.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1825-a5c469e70d84806deef1776d]
New Drawings Not Required During National Phase If International Drawings Comply With PCT Rule 11
Note:
If the drawings in the international application meet PCT Rule 11 requirements, new drawings do not need to be submitted during the national phase.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-7da43bf0f7196969beaa67da]
Drawings Can Be Amended During National Phase
Note:
The drawings can be modified during the national phase without requiring an international preliminary examination.

The drawings can be amended during the international phase only if the applicant files a Demand for international preliminary examination. The drawings can also be amended during the national phase. The amendment shall not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. See PCT Article 34(2)(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Statement Under Article 19
Topic

Receiving Office (RO/US)

4 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-d8a90fb4273fc27567ae98c2]
Optional Drawings for Inventions
Note:
Inventions can include drawings if it is not necessary for understanding the invention, and applicants may file such drawings with their international application. Designated offices may require filing these drawings within a prescribed time limit.
(2) Where, without being necessary for the understanding of the invention, the nature of the invention admits of illustration by drawings:
  • (i) the applicant may include such drawings in the international application when filed.
  • (ii) any designated Office may require that the applicant file such drawings with it within the prescribed time limit.
Jump to MPEP SourceReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-548b45e83b656aeb83e9b7de]
File Reference Must Be Indicated on Each Drawing Sheet
Note:
A file reference must be placed in the upper left corner of each sheet of drawings.

All lines in the drawings must, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of a drafting instrument and must be executed in black, uniformly thick and well-defined lines. Color drawings are not acceptable. PCT Rules 11.10 to 11.13 contain detailed requirements as to further physical requirements of drawings. Drawings newly executed according to national standards may not be required during the national phase if the drawings filed with the international application comply with PCT Rule 11. The examiner may require new drawings where the drawings which were accepted during the international phase did not comply with PCT Rule 11. A file reference may be indicated in the upper left corner on each sheet of the drawings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Receiving Office (RO/US)Nationals and ResidentsPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1825-8c03ad67af39dba0c6328229]
Drawings Requirement for International Applications
Note:
If drawings are referred to in an international application but not found in the search copy file, the examiner must refer the application to a Quality Assurance Specialist or a PCT Special Program Examiner.

If drawings are referred to in an international application and are not found in the search copy file, the examiner should refer the application to a Quality Assurance Specialist in his or her Technology Center or a PCT Special Program Examiner. See Administrative Instructions Section 310.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Receiving Office (RO/US)Quality Assurance Specialist ReviewPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-a8aaa89a000d4226b0a0c784]
Drawings Must Be Included If Referenced
Note:
If drawings are referred to in an international application but not found, the examiner should refer the application to a Quality Assurance Specialist or PCT Special Program Examiner.

If drawings are referred to in an international application and are not found in the search copy file, the examiner should refer the application to a Quality Assurance Specialist in his or her Technology Center or a PCT Special Program Examiner. See Administrative Instructions Section 310.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Receiving Office (RO/US)Quality Assurance Specialist ReviewPCT International Application Filing
Topic

PCT International Application Filing

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-c6b9f795b8c9a9a713b6d382]
Invention Illustration by Drawings Permitted
Note:
The applicant may include drawings in the international application when filed, provided that such drawings are not necessary for understanding the invention.

(2) Where, without being necessary for the understanding of the invention, the nature of the invention admits of illustration by drawings (i) the applicant may include such drawings in the international application when filed.

Jump to MPEP SourcePCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-edaf7abb5ef91fb2b98e4683]
Features Must Be Consistently Noted
Note:
Throughout the international application, features denoted by reference signs must be consistently noted with the same signs.

(m) The same features, when denoted by reference signs, shall, throughout the international application, be denoted by the same signs.

Jump to MPEP SourcePCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
Topic

Period for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-1514bcebca03121a46ee8363]
Drawings Must Be Filed Upon Request
Note:
The designated Office may require an applicant to submit drawings within a specified time limit if the nature of the invention admits of illustration by drawings, but is not necessary for understanding it.

(2) Where, without being necessary for the understanding of the invention, the nature of the invention admits of illustration by drawings:

(ii) any designated Office may require that the applicant file such drawings with it within the prescribed time limit.

Jump to MPEP SourcePeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1825-89cca9762e30fbcd5195578f]
Minimum Two-Month Reply Period for Drawings
Note:
The time limit for filing drawings or additional drawings must be at least two months from the date of the written invitation.

The time limit referred to in Article 7(2)(ii) shall be reasonable under the circumstances of the case and shall, in no case, be shorter than two months from the date of the written invitation requiring the filing of drawings or additional drawings under the said provision.

Jump to MPEP SourcePeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
Topic

Article 34 Amendments

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1825-349a1d8e46f747f08fc52969]
Drawings Can Be Amended During International Phase Only If Requesting Preliminary Examination
Note:
The drawings can be modified during the international phase but only if the applicant requests an international preliminary examination.

The drawings can be amended during the international phase only if the applicant files a Demand for international preliminary examination. The drawings can also be amended during the national phase. The amendment shall not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. See PCT Article 34(2)(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Article 34 AmendmentsDemand for Preliminary ExaminationInternational Preliminary Examination (Chapter II)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-4fab3cfe82a41e18175ab4e3]
Drawings Can Be Amended During International Phase If Demand Filed
Note:
The drawings can be amended during the international phase if an application for international preliminary examination is filed, but any amendments must not exceed the disclosure in the original international application.

The drawings can be amended during the international phase only if the applicant files a Demand for international preliminary examination. The drawings can also be amended during the national phase. The amendment shall not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. See PCT Article 34(2)(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Article 34 AmendmentsPatent Cooperation TreatyStatement Under Article 19
Topic

Competent Authority for Rectification

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-e63e13e975cb8f269653e01d]
Procedure for Correcting Obvious Mistakes in Drawings
Note:
Explains how to rectify obvious mistakes in drawings without affecting the international filing date, except under specific conditions.

The procedure for rectification of obvious mistakes in the drawings is explained in MPEP § 1836. The omission of an entire sheet of drawings cannot be rectified without affecting the international filing date, except in applications filed on or after April 1, 2007, where, if the application, on its initial receipt date, contained a priority claim and a proper incorporation by reference statement, the original international filing date may be retained if the submitted correction was completely contained in the earlier application. See PCT Rules 4.18 and 20.6. Rectifications of obvious mistakes are not considered to be amendments.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Competent Authority for RectificationObvious MistakesPCT Rectification of Mistakes
Topic

International Filing Date

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1825-608a72c394b047ee641e7122]
Omission of Drawings Sheet Requires New Filing Date Except for PCT Applications Filed After April 1, 2007
Note:
Except for PCT applications filed after April 1, 2007 that contain a priority claim and proper incorporation by reference statement, omitting an entire sheet of drawings requires a new filing date.

The procedure for rectification of obvious mistakes in the drawings is explained in MPEP § 1836. The omission of an entire sheet of drawings cannot be rectified without affecting the international filing date, except in applications filed on or after April 1, 2007, where, if the application, on its initial receipt date, contained a priority claim and a proper incorporation by reference statement, the original international filing date may be retained if the submitted correction was completely contained in the earlier application. See PCT Rules 4.18 and 20.6. Rectifications of obvious mistakes are not considered to be amendments.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437International Filing DatePCT International Application FilingCompetent Authority for Rectification
Topic

Obvious Mistakes

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1825-2c359ea0b444d8ac3009bd7f]
Obvious Mistakes Not Considered Amendments
Note:
Rectifications of obvious mistakes in drawings are not treated as amendments to the application.

The procedure for rectification of obvious mistakes in the drawings is explained in MPEP § 1836. The omission of an entire sheet of drawings cannot be rectified without affecting the international filing date, except in applications filed on or after April 1, 2007, where, if the application, on its initial receipt date, contained a priority claim and a proper incorporation by reference statement, the original international filing date may be retained if the submitted correction was completely contained in the earlier application. See PCT Rules 4.18 and 20.6. Rectifications of obvious mistakes are not considered to be amendments.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Obvious MistakesInternational Filing DateCompetent Authority for Rectification
Topic

Statement Under Article 19

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1825-af1d270ec51a1d918e77f9b7]
Amendment Shall Not Exceed International Application Disclosure
Note:
The drawings can be amended during the international phase if a demand for an international preliminary examination is filed, but any amendment must not exceed the disclosure in the original international application.

The drawings can be amended during the international phase only if the applicant files a Demand for international preliminary examination. The drawings can also be amended during the national phase. The amendment shall not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. See PCT Article 34(2)(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.437Statement Under Article 19Amendments in National StagePCT Article 19 Amendments

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Article 19 Amendment Scope37 CFR § 1.412(c)(6)(ii)
Competent Authority for Rectification
International Filing Date
Obvious Mistakes
Patent Cooperation Treaty
MPEP § 1836
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Receiving Office (RO/US)
PCT Rule 11
Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Rule 12.1(a)
Article 34 Amendments
Nationals and Residents
Statement Under Article 19
PCT Article 34(2)(b)
Competent Authority for Rectification
International Filing Date
Obvious Mistakes
Patent Cooperation Treaty
PCT Rules 4.18

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