What are the size and margin requirements for plant patent drawings?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
The size and margin requirements for plant patent drawings are specified in 37 CFR 1.84, which is referenced in MPEP 1606. The key requirements are:
Size:
- 21.0 cm by 29.7 cm (DIN size A4), or
- 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm (8 1/2 by 11 inches)
Margins:
- Top margin: at least 2.5 cm (1 inch)
- Left side margin: at least 2.5 cm (1 inch)
- Right side margin: at least 1.5 cm (5/8 inch)
- Bottom margin: at least 1.0 cm (3/8 inch)
The MPEP states: “The sheets must not contain frames around the sight (i.e., the usable surface), but should have scan target points (i.e., cross-hairs) printed on two cater-corner margin corners.” This ensures that the drawings are properly formatted for scanning and reproduction.