Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
MPEP 500 – Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers (1)
Color drawings or photographs are generally not allowed in patent applications without special permission. MPEP 507 states:
OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: … (G) contain color drawings or color photographs, but not a petition to accept color drawings/photographs.
If an applicant wishes to include color drawings or photographs, they must file a petition to accept them. It’s important to note that the requirement for a black and white photocopy of color drawings/photographs has been eliminated. Applicants should be prepared to justify the need for color in their drawings or photographs when filing such a petition.
MPEP 507 – Drawing Review in the Office of Patent Application Processing (1)
Color drawings or photographs are generally not allowed in patent applications without special permission. MPEP 507 states:
OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: … (G) contain color drawings or color photographs, but not a petition to accept color drawings/photographs.
If an applicant wishes to include color drawings or photographs, they must file a petition to accept them. It’s important to note that the requirement for a black and white photocopy of color drawings/photographs has been eliminated. Applicants should be prepared to justify the need for color in their drawings or photographs when filing such a petition.
Patent Law (2)
How should color drawings be submitted in patent applications?
Color drawings in patent applications require special handling:
- A petition for color drawings must be filed with the application.
- Three sets of color drawings or color photographs must be submitted.
- The specification must contain the reference to color drawings.
The MPEP 608.02 states: ‘Color drawings are not permitted in design applications. See 37 CFR 1.84(a)(2) and MPEP § 608.02(VIII).’
For utility patents, color drawings may be accepted if they are necessary for the understanding of the invention. However, they are not encouraged due to reproduction costs and potential issues with public access.
To learn more:
Color drawings or photographs are generally not allowed in patent applications without special permission. MPEP 507 states:
OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: … (G) contain color drawings or color photographs, but not a petition to accept color drawings/photographs.
If an applicant wishes to include color drawings or photographs, they must file a petition to accept them. It’s important to note that the requirement for a black and white photocopy of color drawings/photographs has been eliminated. Applicants should be prepared to justify the need for color in their drawings or photographs when filing such a petition.
Patent Procedure (2)
How should color drawings be submitted in patent applications?
Color drawings in patent applications require special handling:
- A petition for color drawings must be filed with the application.
- Three sets of color drawings or color photographs must be submitted.
- The specification must contain the reference to color drawings.
The MPEP 608.02 states: ‘Color drawings are not permitted in design applications. See 37 CFR 1.84(a)(2) and MPEP § 608.02(VIII).’
For utility patents, color drawings may be accepted if they are necessary for the understanding of the invention. However, they are not encouraged due to reproduction costs and potential issues with public access.
To learn more:
Color drawings or photographs are generally not allowed in patent applications without special permission. MPEP 507 states:
OPAP may object to and require corrected drawings within a set time period, if the drawings: … (G) contain color drawings or color photographs, but not a petition to accept color drawings/photographs.
If an applicant wishes to include color drawings or photographs, they must file a petition to accept them. It’s important to note that the requirement for a black and white photocopy of color drawings/photographs has been eliminated. Applicants should be prepared to justify the need for color in their drawings or photographs when filing such a petition.