How should drawing amendments be submitted in a patent application?

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

To learn more:

Tags: Annotated Drawings, Drawing Amendments, New Sheets, Replacement Sheets