What are the requirements for color drawings in international patent applications?
What are the requirements for color drawings in international patent applications?
Color drawings are not ordinarily permitted in international applications. However, if they are submitted, the International Bureau (IB) and the designated Office may process them as such. As stated in MPEP 1825:
“Color drawings are not accepted in international applications. Any color drawings filed will be treated as black and white drawings. See PCT Rule 11.13, which only permits photographs, color drawings and grayscale drawings when it is impossible to present in a drawing what is to be shown (see MPEP § 1825).”
If color drawings are necessary to understand the invention, applicants should consider filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.84(a)(2) to accept color drawings in the national stage. It’s important to note that the need for color drawings should be explained in the detailed description of the specification.
To learn more: