MPEP § 2920.04(b) — Reproductions (Drawing Figures) (Annotated Rules)

§2920.04(b) Reproductions (Drawing Figures)

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2920.04(b), 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.

Reproductions (Drawing Figures)

This section addresses Reproductions (Drawing Figures). Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 112(a), 35 U.S.C. 112, and 37 CFR 1.1026. Contains: 2 requirements, 3 guidance statements, and 3 permissions.

Key Rules

Topic

Hague Definitions

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-f3b5f0207c2eeaa9baea1b55]
Figure numbering for different industrial designs must be distinct and sequential
Note:
When representing the same industrial design from different angles, each design must have a unique set of numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2 for the first design, 2.1, 2.2 for the second design).

Figure numbering requirements for international design applications are different from figure numbering requirements for design applications filed under 35 U.S.C. chapter 16. Pursuant to Administrative Instruction 405, “[w]hen the same industrial design is represented from different angles, the numbering shall consist of two separate figures separated by a dot (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. for the first design, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. for the second design, and so on).” The figure numbering appearing in the published international registration should be preserved during prosecution of the nonprovisional international design application before the USPTO. If designs are cancelled, for example, as a result of a restriction requirement, applicants should not renumber the figures of the remaining design(s).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Hague DefinitionsBasic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Applications
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-283311a26ff94bf38de7a1d6]
Figure Numbering Must Be Preserved During USPTO Prosecution
Note:
The figure numbering from the published international registration must remain unchanged during prosecution of a nonprovisional international design application before the USPTO.

Figure numbering requirements for international design applications are different from figure numbering requirements for design applications filed under 35 U.S.C. chapter 16. Pursuant to Administrative Instruction 405, “[w]hen the same industrial design is represented from different angles, the numbering shall consist of two separate figures separated by a dot (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. for the first design, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. for the second design, and so on).” The figure numbering appearing in the published international registration should be preserved during prosecution of the nonprovisional international design application before the USPTO. If designs are cancelled, for example, as a result of a restriction requirement, applicants should not renumber the figures of the remaining design(s).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Hague DefinitionsBasic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Applications
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-9fbdae67f6a55614395fbebf]
Remaining Designs Must Not Be Re-numbered After Cancellation
Note:
Applicants should not renumber figures of remaining designs if any are cancelled due to a restriction requirement.

Figure numbering requirements for international design applications are different from figure numbering requirements for design applications filed under 35 U.S.C. chapter 16. Pursuant to Administrative Instruction 405, “[w]hen the same industrial design is represented from different angles, the numbering shall consist of two separate figures separated by a dot (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. for the first design, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. for the second design, and so on).” The figure numbering appearing in the published international registration should be preserved during prosecution of the nonprovisional international design application before the USPTO. If designs are cancelled, for example, as a result of a restriction requirement, applicants should not renumber the figures of the remaining design(s).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Hague DefinitionsBasic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Applications
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-7e5ccf49ea6aad30fd4ff3d2]
Hague Registration May Be Refused Due to Insufficient Reproductions
Note:
A Contracting Party may refuse an international registration if the design reproductions are not sufficient to fully disclose the industrial design.

When inconsistencies are found among the views, the examiner should object to the reproductions and request that the views be made consistent. Pursuant to Hague Agreement Rule 9(4), “[a] Contracting Party may however refuse the effects of the international registration on the ground that the reproductions contained in the international registration are not sufficient to disclose fully the industrial design.” When the inconsistencies are of such magnitude that the overall appearance of the design is unclear, the claim should be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b), as nonenabling and indefinite. See MPEP § 1504.04, subsection I.

Jump to MPEP SourceHague DefinitionsLack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Topic

Design Reproductions

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-5d104775557a699e6f8a1371]
Reproduction of Claimed Design Required
Note:
Every nonprovisional international design application must include a clear and complete depiction of the claimed design, either as a drawing or photograph.

Every nonprovisional international design application must include a reproduction of the claimed design. A reproduction may be either a drawing, in black and white or in color, or a photograph of the industrial design. As the drawing or photograph constitutes the entire visual disclosure of the claim, it is of utmost importance that the drawing or photograph be a clear and complete depiction of the design applied to the article designated in the title, and that nothing regarding the design sought to be patented is left to conjecture.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Design ReproductionsDesign Application RequirementsInternational Design Application Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-c8f2bd9500597d9a2fd36cbe]
Reproduction Requirements for Nonprovisional International Design Applications
Note:
The formal requirements for reproductions applicable to nonprovisional international design applications are set forth in Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Formal requirements for reproductions applicable to nonprovisional international design applications are set forth in Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions. See 37 CFR 1.1026. Hague Agreement Rule 9 and the relevant provisions of the Administrative Instructions are reproduced in MPEP § 2909.02. Drawing requirements set forth in 37 CFR 1.84 do not apply to nonprovisional international design applications, except for those set forth in 37 CFR 1.84(c). See 37 CFR 1.1061(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Design ReproductionsBasic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Examination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-07d49bfec5b9b58c2ed62b21]
Drawing Requirements Not Applicable to Nonprovisional International Design Applications Except for Specifics
Note:
Drawing requirements set forth in 37 CFR 1.84 do not apply to nonprovisional international design applications, except those specified in 37 CFR 1.84(c).

Formal requirements for reproductions applicable to nonprovisional international design applications are set forth in Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions. See 37 CFR 1.1026. Hague Agreement Rule 9 and the relevant provisions of the Administrative Instructions are reproduced in MPEP § 2909.02. Drawing requirements set forth in 37 CFR 1.84 do not apply to nonprovisional international design applications, except for those set forth in 37 CFR 1.84(c). See 37 CFR 1.1061(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Design ReproductionsInternational Design ExaminationInternational Design Application Requirements
Topic

Basic Hague Agreement Principles

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-83443791fc994ff2707e4de5]
Reproduction Requirements for Nonprovisional International Design Applications
Note:
Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Administrative Instructions specify the formal requirements for reproductions in nonprovisional international design applications.

Formal requirements for reproductions applicable to nonprovisional international design applications are set forth in Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions. See 37 CFR 1.1026. Hague Agreement Rule 9 and the relevant provisions of the Administrative Instructions are reproduced in MPEP § 2909.02. Drawing requirements set forth in 37 CFR 1.84 do not apply to nonprovisional international design applications, except for those set forth in 37 CFR 1.84(c). See 37 CFR 1.1061(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Basic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Application RequirementsInternational Design Applications
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-d2f423d6e300402d39eb97fa]
Review of Reproductions for International Registration
Note:
Reproductions included in international design registrations are reviewed by the International Bureau and should not be objected to on formal grounds. Amended reproductions submitted directly may face objections if they do not comply with formal requirements.

Reproductions published as part of the international registration have been reviewed by the International Bureau for compliance with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions and thus should not be objected to by the examiner on such grounds. See Hague Agreement Article 12(1). Amended reproductions that are submitted directly to the Office pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121 are not subject to review by the International Bureau and thus may be objected to under 37 CFR 1.1026 as to matters of form where appropriate. Form Paragraph 29.10 may be used to object to amended reproductions that fail to comply with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.121Basic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design ApplicationsHague Agreement Overview
Topic

Hague Agreement Overview

2 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-50d560c034fbc535ed80c075]
Reproductions Reviewed by International Bureau
Note:
Reproductions included in international registrations have been reviewed for formal compliance and should not be objected to on such grounds.

Reproductions published as part of the international registration have been reviewed by the International Bureau for compliance with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions and thus should not be objected to by the examiner on such grounds. See Hague Agreement Article 12(1). Amended reproductions that are submitted directly to the Office pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121 are not subject to review by the International Bureau and thus may be objected to under 37 CFR 1.1026 as to matters of form where appropriate. Form Paragraph 29.10 may be used to object to amended reproductions that fail to comply with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.121Hague Agreement OverviewExamination by International BureauRepresentation Before International Bureau
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-7598edb3ad5ea5939f87bc9b]
Amended Reproductions Not Subject to International Bureau Review
Note:
Amended reproductions submitted directly to the Office are not reviewed by the International Bureau and may be objected to under 37 CFR 1.1026 for matters of form.

Reproductions published as part of the international registration have been reviewed by the International Bureau for compliance with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions and thus should not be objected to by the examiner on such grounds. See Hague Agreement Article 12(1). Amended reproductions that are submitted directly to the Office pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121 are not subject to review by the International Bureau and thus may be objected to under 37 CFR 1.1026 as to matters of form where appropriate. Form Paragraph 29.10 may be used to object to amended reproductions that fail to comply with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.121Hague Agreement OverviewExamination by International BureauRepresentation Before International Bureau
Topic

Design Indefiniteness

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-bc75d04de4440404cfa09ad0]
Reproductions Not Fully Disclosing Design Permitted
Note:
Permits the use of form paragraph in an international design application where reproductions are insufficient to fully disclose the industrial design but do not render the claimed invention non-enabled or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112.

1. Use this form paragraph in an international design application where the reproductions are not sufficient to fully disclose the industrial design, but such failure does not render the claimed invention non-enabled and/or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112. This may occur, for example, where there are minor inconsistencies in the illustration of the design among the different views of the design. Where the failure to fully disclose the industrial design in the reproductions renders the claimed invention non-enabled and/or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112, use form paragraph 15.21 or 15.22, as appropriate, instead of this form paragraph.

35 U.S.C.Design Indefiniteness35 U.S.C. 112 ConsiderationsAlternative Limitations (MPEP 2173.05(h))
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-76dbc5dab870488eeb12d590]
Reproductions Must Fully Disclose Industrial Design
Note:
Examiner must ensure reproductions fully disclose the industrial design; otherwise, use form paragraph 15.21 or 15.22 if invention is non-enabled and/or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112.

1. Use this form paragraph in an international design application where the reproductions are not sufficient to fully disclose the industrial design, but such failure does not render the claimed invention non-enabled and/or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112. This may occur, for example, where there are minor inconsistencies in the illustration of the design among the different views of the design. Where the failure to fully disclose the industrial design in the reproductions renders the claimed invention non-enabled and/or indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112, use form paragraph 15.21 or 15.22, as appropriate, instead of this form paragraph.

35 U.S.C.Design Indefiniteness35 U.S.C. 112 ConsiderationsAlternative Limitations (MPEP 2173.05(h))
Topic

Photographs in Design Applications

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-c9a4e3d731991b73af636d23]
Drawing Or Photograph Required For Design Application
Note:
A design application must include a clear and complete drawing or photograph of the industrial design.

Every nonprovisional international design application must include a reproduction of the claimed design. A reproduction may be either a drawing, in black and white or in color, or a photograph of the industrial design. As the drawing or photograph constitutes the entire visual disclosure of the claim, it is of utmost importance that the drawing or photograph be a clear and complete depiction of the design applied to the article designated in the title, and that nothing regarding the design sought to be patented is left to conjecture.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Photographs in Design ApplicationsDesign ReproductionsDesign Patent Drawings
Topic

Reproduction Quality Standards

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-5283f3bd679102387e0b224b]
Drawing Or Photograph Must Clearly Depict Design
Note:
The drawing or photograph must fully and clearly show the design applied to the article, leaving nothing to conjecture.

Every nonprovisional international design application must include a reproduction of the claimed design. A reproduction may be either a drawing, in black and white or in color, or a photograph of the industrial design. As the drawing or photograph constitutes the entire visual disclosure of the claim, it is of utmost importance that the drawing or photograph be a clear and complete depiction of the design applied to the article designated in the title, and that nothing regarding the design sought to be patented is left to conjecture.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026Reproduction Quality StandardsTitle Format RequirementsDesign Claim Form
Topic

International Design Applications

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-6270411ad91747d6d85568e2]
Different Figure Numbering for International vs Domestic Designs
Note:
The rule requires different figure numbering systems for international design applications compared to those filed under U.S. law.

Figure numbering requirements for international design applications are different from figure numbering requirements for design applications filed under 35 U.S.C. chapter 16. Pursuant to Administrative Instruction 405, “[w]hen the same industrial design is represented from different angles, the numbering shall consist of two separate figures separated by a dot (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. for the first design, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. for the second design, and so on).” The figure numbering appearing in the published international registration should be preserved during prosecution of the nonprovisional international design application before the USPTO. If designs are cancelled, for example, as a result of a restriction requirement, applicants should not renumber the figures of the remaining design(s).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.1026International Design ApplicationsHague DefinitionsBasic Hague Agreement Principles
Topic

Examination by International Bureau

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-924962fcb678ee0c735d2fc2]
Amended Reproductions Must Comply with Formal Requirements
Note:
Form Paragraph 29.10 can be used to object to amended reproductions that fail to meet the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Reproductions published as part of the international registration have been reviewed by the International Bureau for compliance with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions and thus should not be objected to by the examiner on such grounds. See Hague Agreement Article 12(1). Amended reproductions that are submitted directly to the Office pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121 are not subject to review by the International Bureau and thus may be objected to under 37 CFR 1.1026 as to matters of form where appropriate. Form Paragraph 29.10 may be used to object to amended reproductions that fail to comply with the formal requirements of Hague Agreement Rule 9 and Part Four of the Administrative Instructions.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.121Examination by International BureauBasic Hague Agreement PrinciplesInternational Design Applications
Topic

Lack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-d2cafb0001b83f28217661ea]
Reproducations Must Be Consistent
Note:
Examiner should object to inconsistent views and request corrections to ensure clarity in industrial design registration.

When inconsistencies are found among the views, the examiner should object to the reproductions and request that the views be made consistent. Pursuant to Hague Agreement Rule 9(4), “[a] Contracting Party may however refuse the effects of the international registration on the ground that the reproductions contained in the international registration are not sufficient to disclose fully the industrial design.” When the inconsistencies are of such magnitude that the overall appearance of the design is unclear, the claim should be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b), as nonenabling and indefinite. See MPEP § 1504.04, subsection I.

Jump to MPEP SourceLack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))Hague DefinitionsDesign Claim Requirements
Topic

Design Claim Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-54bee6a204551948912450f7]
Claim Rejection for Unclear Design Appearance
Note:
When design views are inconsistent to the point where the overall appearance is unclear, claims should be rejected as nonenabling and indefinite.

When inconsistencies are found among the views, the examiner should object to the reproductions and request that the views be made consistent. Pursuant to Hague Agreement Rule 9(4), “[a] Contracting Party may however refuse the effects of the international registration on the ground that the reproductions contained in the international registration are not sufficient to disclose fully the industrial design.” When the inconsistencies are of such magnitude that the overall appearance of the design is unclear, the claim should be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b), as nonenabling and indefinite. See MPEP § 1504.04, subsection I.

Jump to MPEP SourceDesign Claim RequirementsLack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))35 U.S.C. 112(b) – Definiteness (MPEP 2171-2173)
Topic

Brief Description of Design

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-c83f5d0ccd8eb625150d9b4b]
Matter Not Seeking Protection Can Be Described or Colored
Note:
Administrative Instruction 403 permits indicating matter not seeking protection through the description and/or coloring, in addition to using broken or dotted lines.

In addition to the use of broken or dotted lines to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought, Administrative Instruction 403 permits such matter to be indicated in the description and/or by coloring. See MPEP § 2920.05(c) regarding considerations under 35 U.S.C. 112 when indicating matter pursuant to Administrative Instruction 403. Form paragraph 29.20 may be used in an international design application as appropriate.

Jump to MPEP SourceBrief Description of DesignTitle Format RequirementsDesign Specification
Topic

Design Application Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-a2e92821a45f88461c27b160]
Reproduction Requirement for International Design Applications
Note:
Form paragraph 29.20 can be used in international design applications to indicate matter not protected by broken or dotted lines as permitted under Administrative Instruction 403.

In addition to the use of broken or dotted lines to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought, Administrative Instruction 403 permits such matter to be indicated in the description and/or by coloring. See MPEP § 2920.05(c) regarding considerations under 35 U.S.C. 112 when indicating matter pursuant to Administrative Instruction 403. Form paragraph 29.20 may be used in an international design application as appropriate.

Jump to MPEP SourceDesign Application RequirementsInternational Design ExaminationInternational Design Application Requirements
Topic

International Design Examination

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-2920-04-b-5ffc4a062ff6b320b9912be9]
Views, Surface Shading, Broken Lines, and Treatment Required for Nonprovisional International Design Applications
Note:
The rule requires that nonprovisional international design applications include specific views, surface shading, broken lines, and surface treatment as per MPEP § 1503.02.

The practice set forth in MPEP § 1503.02, subsections I-IV with respect to views, surface shading, broken lines, and surface treatment is generally applicable to nonprovisional international design applications.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Design ExaminationInternational Design Applications

Examiner Form Paragraphs

Examiner form paragraphs are standard language that you might see in an Office Action or communication from the USPTO. Examiners have latitude to change the form paragraphs, but you will often see this exact language.

¶ 29.10 ¶ 29.10 Reproductions Objected to, Amended Reproductions Do Not Comply With Formal Requirements
¶ 29.11 ¶ 29.11 Reproductions Objected to, Design Not Fully Disclosed in Reproductions
¶ 29.20 ¶ 29.20 Matter Not Forming Part of Design (International Design Application)

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Brief Description of Design
Design Application Requirements
Design Indefiniteness
35 U.S.C. § 112
Design Claim Requirements
Hague Definitions
Lack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))
35 U.S.C. § 112(a)
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Design Reproductions
Examination by International Bureau
Hague Agreement Overview
37 CFR § 1.1026
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Design Reproductions
37 CFR § 1.1061(b)
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Examination by International Bureau
Hague Agreement Overview
37 CFR § 1.121
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Design Reproductions
37 CFR § 1.84
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Design Reproductions
37 CFR § 1.84(c)
International Design ExaminationMPEP § 1503.02
Design Claim Requirements
Hague Definitions
Lack of Antecedent Basis (MPEP 2173.05(e))
MPEP § 1504.04
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Design Reproductions
MPEP § 2909.02
Brief Description of Design
Design Application Requirements
MPEP § 2920.05(c)
Form Paragraph § 15.05.04
Design IndefinitenessForm Paragraph § 15.21
Basic Hague Agreement Principles
Examination by International Bureau
Hague Agreement Overview
Form Paragraph § 29.10
Brief Description of Design
Design Application Requirements
Form Paragraph § 29.20

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