How does the USPTO handle informal drawings in patent applications?

The USPTO handles informal drawings in patent applications as follows:

• If the drawings are informal but otherwise sufficient for examination, the USPTO will accept them provisionally.
• The drawings will be approved by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) for publication purposes.
• Formal drawings will be required if the application is allowed.

According to MPEP 507: ‘If the drawings are informal but otherwise in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d), the OPAP will accept the application for purposes of publication and place a ‘Drawing Informalities’ form PTO-948 in the file wrapper.’

The examiner may require formal drawings or corrections in a subsequent office action if necessary for a proper examination or if the application is allowed.

For more information on drawing review, visit: drawing review.

For more information on informal drawings, visit: informal drawings.

For more information on OPAP, visit: OPAP.