PCT Rule 11 — Physical Requirements of the International (MPEP Coverage Index) – BlueIron IP

This page consolidates MPEP guidance interpreting PCT Rule 11, including 84 rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Summary

PCT Rule 11 establishes comprehensive physical standards governing the technical specifications and presentation of drawings in international patent applications.

What this section covers

Comprehensive physical standards for drawings in international patent applications under PCT Rule 11.
Defining drawing requirements for international patent applicants seeking global patent protection.

Key obligations

Strictly adhere to prescribed physical standards for all drawings submitted in a PCT application.
Maintain precise technical drawing specifications as outlined in PCT drawing guidelines.

Practice notes

Review drawing specifications carefully to ensure full compliance with PCT Rule 11 physical requirements before submission.
Consult detailed PCT guidelines to understand exact physical standards for international patent application drawings.

File Reference for International ApplicationMPEP 1821Permitted
File Reference for International Application SheetsMPEP 1821Prohibited
File Reference Must Not Exceed 25 CharactersMPEP 1821Permitted
File Reference for Correspondence with ApplicantMPEP 1821
Detailed Physical Requirements for DrawingsMPEP 1825
New Drawings Not Required During National Phase If International Drawings Comply With PCT Rule 11MPEP 1825Prohibited
Examiner May Require New Drawings If International Phase Drawings Do Not Comply With PCT Rule 11MPEP 1825Permitted
File Reference Must Be Indicated on Each Drawing SheetMPEP 1825Permitted
Abstract Must Appear on Cover PageMPEP 1893.03(e)
Abstract from Published Application Used in U.S.MPEP 1893.03(e)
No Color Drawings or Photographs in PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required
Black and White Photographs Allowed for Crystal StructuresMPEP 502.05
PCT Rule for Color DescriptionsMPEP 502.05Required
Black and White Drawings Required to Avoid USRO InvitationMPEP 502.05Permitted
Color Drawings Must Be Converted to Black and WhiteMPEP 502.05Permitted
Drawings and Photographs Must Comply with USPTO RulesMPEP 502.05Permitted
Fees for International Design Applications Must Be Paid to WIPOMPEP 502.05
Link to WIPO Hague System Fee Calculator Required for International Design ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required
International Fees Must Be Converted to USDMPEP 502.05Permitted
Payment of International Fees to WIPO Must Be Made by Midnight Eastern TimeMPEP 502.05Required
Abstract Not Required on Separate Sheet for Published International ApplicationMPEP 1893.03(e)
Certification to Discourage Frivolous PapersMPEP 410
Certification Requirement for PractitionersMPEP 410
Reasonable Precomplaint Investigation RequiredMPEP 410Required
Drawings Must Be Executed With Drafting InstrumentMPEP 1825Required
Color Drawings Not AcceptableMPEP 1825
Deposit Restrictions Must Be Removed on GrantMPEP 2410.01Required
Color Photos Not Allowed in International ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted
Lump Sum Fee Input Required for WIPOMPEP 502.05
Completed Office Form Certification RequirementMPEP 410
Color Illustrations Not Permitted in Utility ApplicationsMPEP 608.02
Color Drawings and Photos Not Allowed in International ApplicationsMPEP 608.02(c)Permitted
Color Drawings and Photos Must Be Stored in CMSMPEP 608.02(c)
PCT Drawings Must Adhere to Physical StandardsMPEP 1825Required
USPTO May Not Impose Additional Drawing Requirements During National Stage Examination Beyond PCT Rule 11MPEP 1893.03(f)Prohibited
Budapest Treaty Deposit ComplianceMPEP 2410.01Permitted
Inventor’s Oath or Declaration Required for US Design ApplicationsMPEP 2909Required
Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required
Certification for Filing in USPTO RequiredMPEP 410
Requirement for Reasonable Precomplaint Inquiry Before Filing PleadingMPEP 410
Petition Required for Color Drawings in Utility ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted
Drawings and Photos Must Comply with PCT Rule 11.13MPEP 502.05Permitted
Color Drawings and Photos Not Permitted in International ApplicationsMPEP 608.02Permitted

Elements Required for International ApplicationMPEP 1812Required
Sheets Must Be Numbered Separately for Request, Description, Claims, Abstract, and DrawingsMPEP 1812Required
No Color Drawings or Photographs in PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required
PCT Rule for Color DescriptionsMPEP 502.05Required
Link to WIPO Hague System Fee Calculator Required for International Design ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required
Payment of International Fees to WIPO Must Be Made by Midnight Eastern TimeMPEP 502.05Required
Certify Evidentiary Support for Factual ContentionsMPEP 410Required
Amendments Not Required for Lack of EvidenceMPEP 410Required
Contendings Identified as Information and Belief Require Reasonable InvestigationMPEP 410Required
Reasonable Precomplaint Investigation RequiredMPEP 410Required
Drawings Must Be Executed With Drafting InstrumentMPEP 1825Required
Deposit Restrictions Must Be Removed on GrantMPEP 2410.01Required
A4 Page Size Required for PCT Filing via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05Required
Color Drawings Prohibited in PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required
PCT Drawings Must Adhere to Physical StandardsMPEP 1825Required
Claim Must Describe Ornamental Design as ShownMPEP 2903Required
Inventor’s Oath or Declaration Required for US Design ApplicationsMPEP 2909Required
Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required

Order of International Application Elements RequiredMPEP 1812
Single Copy of International Application Required for FilingMPEP 1812
Request Must Be on Standardized Form PCT/RO/101MPEP 1812Permitted
Request Can Be Computer PrintoutMPEP 1812Permitted
Certification of Pleadings Before FilingMPEP 410
Litigant Must Investigate Before FilingMPEP 410Permitted
Investigate Before Asserting Factual ContentionsMPEP 410
Certification of Evidentiary Basis for Factual ContentionsMPEP 410
Summary Judgment Does Not Invalidate Positional SupportMPEP 410
Litigants Must Certify Evidentiary Support for ContentionsMPEP 410
Litigants Must Withdraw Tenable Contentions After Learning They Are FalseMPEP 410
Obligation to Reaffirm Pleadings After Learning They Cease to Have MeritMPEP 410Permitted
Obligation to Certify Contentions After Pretrial ConferenceMPEP 410Recommended
Certifying Federal Court Allocations After RemovalMPEP 410
Certification for Non-Availability of EvidenceMPEP 410
Evidentiary Support for ContentionsMPEP 410
Denials of Factual Contentions Require Different ConsiderationsMPEP 410
Denial Based on Contradictory Evidence Must Be SupportedMPEP 410
Permissible Denial After InvestigationMPEP 410
Equal Burden on Plaintiffs and Defendants Under Rule 11(b)MPEP 410
Defendant Must Withdraw Unwarranted Denials After Further InvestigationMPEP 410Recommended
Nonfrivolous Arguments for Law Changes Not Violating Rule 11(b)(2)MPEP 410Recommended
Claims Must Start on New PageMPEP 1824Recommended
Margins Prohibited for Page NumbersMPEP 1824Prohibited
Line Numbers Must Appear Right Half of Left MarginMPEP 1824Recommended
Multiple Dependent Claims Permitted Only In AlternativesMPEP 1824
A4 Page Size Required for PCT Filing via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05
Requirement for Follow-On Submissions During International PhaseMPEP 502.05
Black and White Photographs Allowed for Crystal StructuresMPEP 502.05
Color Photos Not Allowed In PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted
Alternative Only Multiple Dependent Claims PermittedMPEP 1824Permitted
EFS-Web Enables Electronic PCT Filings With US ROMPEP 502.05

MPEP Section	Rules
MPEP § 1812	Elements Required for International ApplicationMPEP 1812Required Order of International Application Elements RequiredMPEP 1812 Sheets Must Be Numbered Separately for Request, Description, Claims, Abstract, and DrawingsMPEP 1812Required Single Copy of International Application Required for FilingMPEP 1812 Request Must Be on Standardized Form PCT/RO/101MPEP 1812Permitted Request Can Be Computer PrintoutMPEP 1812Permitted
MPEP § 1821	File Reference for International ApplicationMPEP 1821Permitted File Reference for International Application SheetsMPEP 1821Prohibited File Reference Must Not Exceed 25 CharactersMPEP 1821Permitted File Reference for Correspondence with ApplicantMPEP 1821
MPEP § 1824	Claims Must Start on New PageMPEP 1824Recommended Margins Prohibited for Page NumbersMPEP 1824Prohibited Line Numbers Must Appear Right Half of Left MarginMPEP 1824Recommended Multiple Dependent Claims Permitted Only In AlternativesMPEP 1824 Alternative Only Multiple Dependent Claims PermittedMPEP 1824Permitted
MPEP § 1825	Detailed Physical Requirements for DrawingsMPEP 1825 New Drawings Not Required During National Phase If International Drawings Comply With PCT Rule 11MPEP 1825Prohibited Examiner May Require New Drawings If International Phase Drawings Do Not Comply With PCT Rule 11MPEP 1825Permitted File Reference Must Be Indicated on Each Drawing SheetMPEP 1825Permitted Drawings Must Be Executed With Drafting InstrumentMPEP 1825Required Color Drawings Not AcceptableMPEP 1825 PCT Drawings Must Adhere to Physical StandardsMPEP 1825Required
MPEP § 1893.03(e)	Abstract Must Appear on Cover PageMPEP 1893.03(e) Abstract from Published Application Used in U.S.MPEP 1893.03(e) Abstract Not Required on Separate Sheet for Published International ApplicationMPEP 1893.03(e)
MPEP § 1893.03(f)	USPTO May Not Impose Additional Drawing Requirements During National Stage Examination Beyond PCT Rule 11MPEP 1893.03(f)Prohibited
MPEP § 2410.01	Deposit Restrictions Must Be Removed on GrantMPEP 2410.01Required Budapest Treaty Deposit ComplianceMPEP 2410.01Permitted
MPEP § 2903	Claim Must Describe Ornamental Design as ShownMPEP 2903Required
MPEP § 2909	Inventor’s Oath or Declaration Required for US Design ApplicationsMPEP 2909Required
MPEP § 402.03	Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
MPEP § 410	Certification of Pleadings Before FilingMPEP 410 Litigant Must Investigate Before FilingMPEP 410Permitted Investigate Before Asserting Factual ContentionsMPEP 410 Certification of Evidentiary Basis for Factual ContentionsMPEP 410 Summary Judgment Does Not Invalidate Positional SupportMPEP 410 Certification to Discourage Frivolous PapersMPEP 410 Certification Requirement for PractitionersMPEP 410 Litigants Must Certify Evidentiary Support for ContentionsMPEP 410 Litigants Must Withdraw Tenable Contentions After Learning They Are FalseMPEP 410 Obligation to Reaffirm Pleadings After Learning They Cease to Have MeritMPEP 410Permitted Obligation to Certify Contentions After Pretrial ConferenceMPEP 410Recommended Certifying Federal Court Allocations After RemovalMPEP 410 Certification for Non-Availability of EvidenceMPEP 410 Evidentiary Support for ContentionsMPEP 410 Denials of Factual Contentions Require Different ConsiderationsMPEP 410 Denial Based on Contradictory Evidence Must Be SupportedMPEP 410 Permissible Denial After InvestigationMPEP 410 Certify Evidentiary Support for Factual ContentionsMPEP 410Required Equal Burden on Plaintiffs and Defendants Under Rule 11(b)MPEP 410 Defendant Must Withdraw Unwarranted Denials After Further InvestigationMPEP 410Recommended Amendments Not Required for Lack of EvidenceMPEP 410Required Nonfrivolous Arguments for Law Changes Not Violating Rule 11(b)(2)MPEP 410Recommended Contendings Identified as Information and Belief Require Reasonable InvestigationMPEP 410Required Reasonable Precomplaint Investigation RequiredMPEP 410Required Completed Office Form Certification RequirementMPEP 410 Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required Certification for Filing in USPTO RequiredMPEP 410 Requirement for Reasonable Precomplaint Inquiry Before Filing PleadingMPEP 410
MPEP § 502.05	No Color Drawings or Photographs in PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required Black and White Photographs Allowed for Crystal StructuresMPEP 502.05 PCT Rule for Color DescriptionsMPEP 502.05Required Black and White Drawings Required to Avoid USRO InvitationMPEP 502.05Permitted Color Drawings Must Be Converted to Black and WhiteMPEP 502.05Permitted Drawings and Photographs Must Comply with USPTO RulesMPEP 502.05Permitted Fees for International Design Applications Must Be Paid to WIPOMPEP 502.05 Link to WIPO Hague System Fee Calculator Required for International Design ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required International Fees Must Be Converted to USDMPEP 502.05Permitted Payment of International Fees to WIPO Must Be Made by Midnight Eastern TimeMPEP 502.05Required Color Photos Not Allowed in International ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted A4 Page Size Required for PCT Filing via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05Required A4 Page Size Required for PCT Filing via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05 Requirement for Follow-On Submissions During International PhaseMPEP 502.05 Color Drawings Prohibited in PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Required Black and White Photographs Allowed for Crystal StructuresMPEP 502.05 Color Photos Not Allowed In PCT ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted Lump Sum Fee Input Required for WIPOMPEP 502.05 Petition Required for Color Drawings in Utility ApplicationsMPEP 502.05Permitted EFS-Web Enables Electronic PCT Filings With US ROMPEP 502.05 Drawings and Photos Must Comply with PCT Rule 11.13MPEP 502.05Permitted
MPEP § 608.02	Color Illustrations Not Permitted in Utility ApplicationsMPEP 608.02 Color Drawings and Photos Not Permitted in International ApplicationsMPEP 608.02Permitted
MPEP § 608.02(c)	Color Drawings and Photos Not Allowed in International ApplicationsMPEP 608.02(c)Permitted Color Drawings and Photos Must Be Stored in CMSMPEP 608.02(c)

Related Provisions

Based on MPEP Last Modified: 10/30/2024 08:50:22

PCT Rule 11 — Physical Requirements of the International (MPEP Coverage Index) – BlueIron IP

PCT Rule 11 Physical Requirements of the International

Summary

Official MPEP § 11 — Physical Requirements of the International

Rule 11 Physical Requirements of the International Application

11.1 Number of Copies

11.2 Fitness for Reproduction

11.3 Material to Be Used

11.4 Separate Sheets, Etc.

11.5 Size of Sheets

11.6 Margins

11.7 Numbering of Sheets

11.8 Numbering of Lines

11.9 Writing of Text Matter

11.10 Drawings, Formulae, and Tables, in Text Matter

11.11 Words in Drawings

11.12 Alterations, Etc.

11.13 Special Requirements for Drawings

11.14 Later Documents

Verbatim in MPEP

Required Actions

Key Interpretations

Topics

MPEP Coverage

Related Provisions