How should drawing amendments be submitted in a patent application?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10
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.
Drawing amendments in patent applications must be submitted according to the following guidelines:
- Amendments must comply with 37 CFR 1.84
- Changes must be submitted on a replacement sheet of drawings
- New drawings must be submitted on a new sheet of drawings
- Sheets must be identified in the top margin as ‘Replacement Sheet’ or ‘New Sheet’
- Replacement sheets must include all figures from the previous version, even if only one figure is amended
The MPEP states: Any changes to an application drawing must comply with 37 CFR 1.84 and must be submitted on a replacement sheet of drawings, even when applicant is only submitting better quality drawings without any substantive changes.
Additional requirements:
- Amended figures must not be labeled as ‘amended’
- A marked-up copy of amended drawings may be included, labeled as ‘Annotated Sheet’
- An explanation of changes must be presented in the ‘Amendments to the Drawings’ or remarks section