Are applicants required to submit sketches of claim structure?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance 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. No, applicants are not required to submit sketches of claim structure. MPEP 904.01(a) explicitly states that “ an applicant will not be required to submit such sketches of claim structure. ” This provision is based on the decision in In re Application filed November 16, 1945, 89 USPQ 280, 1951 C.D. 1, 646 O.G. 5 (Comm’r Pat. 1951). The responsibility for creating sketches or diagrams to visualize variant embodiments lies with the patent examiner, not the applicant. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Sketches Must Delineate Claim Limitations MPEP 904.01(a) Sketched Variants Assist Examiner Determination MPEP 904.01(a) Required Claim Must Include UnDisclosed Variants MPEP 904.01(a) Required Sketches Must Delineate Claim Limitations MPEP 904.01(a) Permitted Parent Applications Must Be Reviewed for Prior Art MPEP 904 Required Examiner Must Consider Prior Art from Parent Application MPEP 904 Required Review of Cited Prior Art from Parent Application Required MPEP 904 Recommended Examiner Must Review File Wrapper History and PTAB Post-Grant Proceedings MPEP 904 Required Documents Cited in International Search Report Must Be Considered MPEP 904 First Search Should Cover Invention as Claimed MPEP 904 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Why is it important to consider variant embodiments during patent examination? How does considering variant embodiments affect prior art searches? What are variant embodiments within the scope of a claim? How can patent examiners visualize variant embodiments? What additional classification systems should patent examiners consider besides CPC?