Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Here’s the complete FAQ:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers (1)
According to MPEP 507, figures in patent drawings should be labeled as follows:
Each figure must be labeled ‘Fig.’ with a consecutive Arabic numeral (1, 2, etc.) or an Arabic numeral and capital letter in the English alphabet (A, B, etc.). See 37 CFR 1.84(u)(1);
This labeling convention ensures clarity and consistency in referencing figures throughout the patent application and publication. Improper labeling may result in an objection from OPAP and require correction.
MPEP 507 - Drawing Review in the Office of Patent Application Processing (1)
According to MPEP 507, figures in patent drawings should be labeled as follows:
Each figure must be labeled ‘Fig.’ with a consecutive Arabic numeral (1, 2, etc.) or an Arabic numeral and capital letter in the English alphabet (A, B, etc.). See 37 CFR 1.84(u)(1);
This labeling convention ensures clarity and consistency in referencing figures throughout the patent application and publication. Improper labeling may result in an objection from OPAP and require correction.
Patent Law (2)
When submitting replacement drawing sheets for patent applications, applicants should ensure the following:
- Include all figures from the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended.
- Label the sheet as ‘Replacement Sheet’ in the top margin.
- Include the application number and art unit in the upper center margin.
- Do not label amended drawing figures as ‘amended’.
- Remove canceled figures and renumber remaining figures if necessary.
The MPEP 608.02(b) states:
Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as ‘amended.’
Additionally, a marked-up copy of the replacement sheet with annotations indicating changes may be required.
To learn more:
According to MPEP 507, figures in patent drawings should be labeled as follows:
Each figure must be labeled ‘Fig.’ with a consecutive Arabic numeral (1, 2, etc.) or an Arabic numeral and capital letter in the English alphabet (A, B, etc.). See 37 CFR 1.84(u)(1);
This labeling convention ensures clarity and consistency in referencing figures throughout the patent application and publication. Improper labeling may result in an objection from OPAP and require correction.
Patent Procedure (2)
When submitting replacement drawing sheets for patent applications, applicants should ensure the following:
- Include all figures from the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended.
- Label the sheet as ‘Replacement Sheet’ in the top margin.
- Include the application number and art unit in the upper center margin.
- Do not label amended drawing figures as ‘amended’.
- Remove canceled figures and renumber remaining figures if necessary.
The MPEP 608.02(b) states:
Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as ‘amended.’
Additionally, a marked-up copy of the replacement sheet with annotations indicating changes may be required.
To learn more:
According to MPEP 507, figures in patent drawings should be labeled as follows:
Each figure must be labeled ‘Fig.’ with a consecutive Arabic numeral (1, 2, etc.) or an Arabic numeral and capital letter in the English alphabet (A, B, etc.). See 37 CFR 1.84(u)(1);
This labeling convention ensures clarity and consistency in referencing figures throughout the patent application and publication. Improper labeling may result in an objection from OPAP and require correction.