Are color drawings or photographs allowed in patent applications?

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.