How should sheets be numbered in plant patent drawings?
The numbering of sheets in plant patent drawings is specified in 37 CFR 1.84(t), as referenced in MPEP 1606. Key points include:
- Sheets should be numbered in consecutive Arabic numerals, starting with 1
- Numbers should be placed in the middle of the top of the sheet, but not in the margin
- If necessary, numbers can be placed on the right-hand side if the drawing extends too close to the middle of the top edge
- The numbering must be clear and larger than reference character numbers to avoid confusion
- Each sheet should show two Arabic numerals placed on either side of an oblique line, with the first being the sheet number and the second being the total number of sheets
For example, the third sheet of a set of 8 sheets would be numbered as: 3/8
The MPEP states: “The drawing sheet numbering must be clear and larger than the numbers used as reference characters to avoid confusion.” This ensures that sheet numbers are easily distinguishable from other numbers on the drawing.
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