Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Patent Law (2)
Correcting or adding drawings after a patent application is filed is addressed in MPEP 608.02, subsection II. The key points are:
- Drawings can be corrected, revised, or added if no new matter is introduced.
- The applicant must submit a proposed drawing correction in reply to the Office action.
- For non-provisional applications, replacement sheets of corrected drawings must be submitted.
- For provisional applications, corrected drawings may be submitted as an amendment to the application.
The MPEP states: ‘Where a drawing is to be amended, applicant must submit a replacement sheet of drawings which complies with 37 CFR 1.84 and includes all of the figures appearing on the original version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended.’ This ensures that the entire drawing set remains consistent and complete.
To learn more:
No, the USPTO does not return annotated sheets submitted for patent drawing corrections. According to MPEP 608.02(v), “Annotated sheets filed by an applicant and used for correction of the drawing will not be returned.” This policy ensures that the USPTO maintains a complete record of all proposed changes to the patent drawings throughout the examination process.
To learn more:
Patent Procedure (2)
Correcting or adding drawings after a patent application is filed is addressed in MPEP 608.02, subsection II. The key points are:
- Drawings can be corrected, revised, or added if no new matter is introduced.
- The applicant must submit a proposed drawing correction in reply to the Office action.
- For non-provisional applications, replacement sheets of corrected drawings must be submitted.
- For provisional applications, corrected drawings may be submitted as an amendment to the application.
The MPEP states: ‘Where a drawing is to be amended, applicant must submit a replacement sheet of drawings which complies with 37 CFR 1.84 and includes all of the figures appearing on the original version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended.’ This ensures that the entire drawing set remains consistent and complete.
To learn more:
No, the USPTO does not return annotated sheets submitted for patent drawing corrections. According to MPEP 608.02(v), “Annotated sheets filed by an applicant and used for correction of the drawing will not be returned.” This policy ensures that the USPTO maintains a complete record of all proposed changes to the patent drawings throughout the examination process.
To learn more: