Do I need to submit a replacement sheet when canceling a patent drawing figure?

Yes, in most cases, you need to submit a replacement sheet when canceling a patent drawing figure. However, there is an exception:

• If the canceled figure was the only drawing on the sheet, you only need to submit a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet with an annotation showing the cancellation.
• In all other cases, you must submit a replacement sheet of drawings without the canceled figure.

MPEP 608.02(t) states: “If a drawing figure is canceled, a replacement sheet of drawings must be submitted without the figure (see 37 CFR 1.121(d)). If the canceled drawing figure was the only drawing on the sheet, then only a marked-up copy of the drawing sheet including an annotation showing that the drawing has been cancelled is required.”

To learn more:

• Patent drawings
• Figure cancellation
• Drawing amendments
• Replacement sheet