Can original or printed patent drawing sheets be physically altered in a reissue application?

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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, original or printed patent drawing sheets cannot be physically altered in a reissue application. The MPEP clearly states: “Amending the original or printed patent drawing sheets by physically changing or altering them is not permitted. Any request to do so should be denied.” Instead of physically altering the original drawings, applicants must submit replacement sheets for any drawings that need to be changed, following the procedures outlined in 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3) . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reissue Application Subject to AIA Provisions MPEP 1440 Review Original Patent File History When Examining Reissue Application MPEP 1440 Recommended Restriction Between Original Claims and Unclaimed Subject Matter May Be Required MPEP 1440 Required Subject Matter of Original Claims Must Be Constructively Elected MPEP 1440 Prohibited Original Claims Examined Same As New Applications MPEP 1440 Required Differences in Prior Art Between Reissue and Original Patent MPEP 1440 Permitted Oath/Declaration for Reissue Must Comply with Specific Requirements MPEP 1440 Reissue Applications with Litigation Examined First MPEP 1440 AIA Revised Prior Art Determination for Examination MPEP 1440 Requirement for Reexamining Pre-AIA Reissue Applications MPEP 1440 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What additional requirements must be considered when examining a reissue application? How does the America Invents Act (AIA) affect the examination of reissue applications? What are the requirements for submitting drawings in a reissue application? What is the effective date for claims in a reissue application? How does the examiner handle defective reissue oath or declarati...