Can objections to drawings in a utility or plant application be held in abeyance?

No, objections to drawings in utility or plant applications cannot be held in abeyance. The MPEP section 608.02(f) clearly states:

“Unless applicant is otherwise notified in an Office action, objections to the drawings in a utility or plant application will not be held in abeyance, and a request to hold objections to the drawings in abeyance will not be considered a bona fide attempt to advance the application to final action.”

This policy is based on 37 CFR 1.85(a) and ensures that drawing issues are addressed promptly in the patent application process. Applicants must respond to drawing objections in a timely manner to avoid potential abandonment of their application.

To learn more:

• patent drawings
• drawing objections
• utility applications
• plant applications
• abeyance
• 37 CFR 1.85(a)

To learn more:

• 37 CFR 1.85(a)