Can drawings in patents be used as prior art?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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. Yes, drawings in patents can be used as prior art. According to MPEP 2125 , “Drawings and pictures can anticipate claims if they clearly show the structure which is claimed.” This applies to both design patents and utility patents. The MPEP further states: “The origin of the drawing is immaterial. For instance, drawings in a design patent can anticipate or make obvious the claimed invention as can drawings in utility patents.” However, it’s important to note that the drawings must clearly show all the claimed structural features and how they are put together to be considered anticipatory. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Drawings Must Reasonably Disclose Invention MPEP 2125 Required Drawings Can Anticipate Utility Claims MPEP 2125 Permitted Drawings Must Show All Claimed Features MPEP 2125 Required Drawings Can Anticipate Unexplained Features in Utility Patents MPEP 2125 Drawing Origin Is Irrelevant MPEP 2125 Design Patent Application Requires Utility Patent Elements MPEP 1503 Required Drawings Not to Scale Require Caution in Measurement Arguments MPEP 2125 Drawings Not to Scale Require Caution MPEP 2125 Drawings Do Not Define Precise Proportions Without Specification MPEP 2125 Prohibited Drawings Not to Scale Require Description for Size Determination MPEP 2125 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are drawings in design patents treated as prior art? Can patent drawings be used to determine specific dimensions or proportions? How are drawings in prior art interpreted for patent examination? Can the proportions of features in patent drawings be used as evidence? What is required for a drawing to anticipate a claim?