How should changes to solid and broken lines be handled in a design patent reissue?

When handling changes to solid and broken lines in a design patent reissue, MPEP 1509 provides specific guidance:

“If a drawing view includes both a cancelled and amended version, and the change in the amended version is for the purpose of converting certain solid lines to broken lines, the reissue specification must include a statement indicating the purpose of the broken lines.”

This requirement ensures clarity in the design patent reissue process. When converting solid lines to broken lines, it’s crucial to:

• Include both the cancelled (original) and amended versions of the drawing view
• Label the amended version appropriately (e.g., “FIG. 3 (Amended)”)
• Provide a clear statement in the reissue specification explaining the purpose of the newly added broken lines

Remember that broken lines in design patents typically indicate either environmental structure or portions of the article that are not part of the claimed design. The statement in the specification helps examiners and the public understand the intent behind these changes.

To learn more:

• design patent drawings
• solid lines
• broken lines
• reissue application
• drawing amendments