Can drawings be amended after the application filing date without introducing new matter?
Can drawings be amended after the application filing date without introducing new matter? Amending drawings after the application filing date without introducing new matter is possible, but it requires careful consideration. According to MPEP 608.04(a): ‘An amendment to the drawings, however, which adds a feature not disclosed in the original drawings or specification involves new…
Read MoreWhat are annotated sheets in patent drawings?
Annotated sheets in patent drawings are marked-up copies of drawings that show proposed changes to the original drawings. According to MPEP 608.02(v), “When changes are to be made in the drawing itself, other than mere changes in reference characters, designations of figures, or inking over lines pale and rough, a marked-up copy of the drawing…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for labeling amended drawing sheets?
When submitting amended drawing sheets in response to objections, proper labeling is crucial. According to MPEP 608.02(e), the requirements for labeling amended drawing sheets are: Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either ‘Replacement Sheet’ or ‘New Sheet’. This labeling must be done…
Read MoreHow should prior art figures be labeled in a patent application?
When including prior art figures in a patent application, proper labeling is crucial. According to MPEP 608.02(g), prior art figures should be designated by a legend such as ‘Prior Art.’ This labeling is essential to distinguish prior art from the applicant’s invention. If a prior art figure is not correctly labeled, patent examiners may use…
Read MoreCan modifications be shown in broken lines on figures with solid lines?
No, modifications cannot be shown in broken lines on figures that show another form of the invention in solid lines. This is based on the principle established in Ex parte Badger, 1901 C.D. 195, 97 OG 1596 (Comm’r Pat. 1901). The MPEP section 608.02(f) states: “Modifications may not be shown in broken lines on figures…
Read MoreAre drawings always necessary for a patent application?
Drawings are not always necessary for a patent application, but they are required when essential for understanding the invention. According to the MPEP, 35 U.S.C. 113 (first sentence) in turn provides that an ‘applicant shall furnish a drawing where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented.’ The USPTO has specific…
Read MoreWhat types of numeral changes can be made to patent drawings without applicant’s annotated sheets?
According to MPEP 608.02(w), there are two types of numeral changes that can be made to patent drawings without requiring annotated sheets from the applicant: Changing one or two numerals or figure ordinals Changing Roman Numerals to Arabic Numerals to agree with the specification The MPEP states: As a guide to the examiner, the following…
Read MoreWhat are the objections to showing modified forms of construction in the same figure?
Showing modified forms of construction in the same figure is objectionable under 37 CFR 1.84(h)(5). The MPEP section 608.02(f) provides a form paragraph (6.22.05) that examiners can use to object to such drawings: “The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.84(h)(5) because Figure [1] show(s) modified forms of construction in the same view.” This…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I need my original patent drawings?
If you need your original patent drawings, it’s important to understand that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not return submitted drawings. As stated in MPEP Section 608.02(y): Drawings will not be returned to the applicant. Given this policy, here are some recommendations: Always keep high-quality copies or digital scans of your…
Read MoreHow have drawing requirements changed for patent applications filed on or after December 18, 2013?
For non-design patent applications filed on or after December 18, 2013, the drawing requirements have been relaxed. The MPEP states: Applications, which are not design applications, filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) or (b) on or after December 18, 2013 are entitled to a filing date even if the application does not contain drawings. However, it’s…
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