What are the requirements for corrected or substitute drawings in patent applications?
What are the requirements for corrected or substitute drawings in patent applications?
When submitting corrected or substitute drawings in patent applications, applicants must adhere to specific requirements set by the USPTO:
- Corrected or substitute drawings must be labeled as ‘Replacement Sheet’ in the top margin.
- Any changes to the drawings must be explained in either the drawing amendment or remarks section of the amendment paper.
- All changes to the drawings should be identified with annotations on the drawing sheet.
- New drawings must be labeled ‘New Sheet’.
As stated in MPEP 608.02(b): ‘Any replacement sheet of drawings must include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is amended. The figure or figure number of the amended drawing(s) must not be labeled as ‘amended.’ The requirement for corrected drawings will not be held in abeyance.’
It’s important to note that the USPTO may require corrected drawings if the submitted drawings do not meet the necessary standards. The MPEP states: ‘The USPTO will not release drawings for purposes of correction. If corrections are necessary, new corrected drawings must be submitted within the time set by the Office.’
To learn more: