How should drawings be amended in a patent application?
According to 37 CFR 1.121(d), drawings in a patent application should be amended as follows:
- Changes must comply with § 1.84 (or §§ 1.84(c) and 1.1026 for nonprovisional international design applications).
- Amendments must be submitted on a replacement sheet labeled “Replacement Sheet” in the top margin.
- Replacement sheets must include all figures from the prior version, even if only one figure is amended.
- New sheets with additional figures must be labeled “New Sheet” in the top margin.
- All changes must be explained in detail in the drawing amendment or remarks section.
The MPEP states: “Any changes to an application drawing must be in compliance with § 1.84 or, for a nonprovisional international design application, in compliance with §§ 1.84(c) and 1.1026 and must be submitted on a replacement sheet of drawings which shall be an attachment to the amendment document and, in the top margin, labeled “Replacement Sheet.”” This emphasizes the importance of proper labeling and compliance with regulations when submitting amended drawings.
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