What happens if drawings submitted in a patent application are marked as ‘informal’?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 5 Related FAQs 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. If drawings submitted in a patent application are marked as ‘informal’ but are considered acceptable by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP), the examiner will not require replacement of the drawings. As stated in the MPEP: If the drawings submitted in an application have been indicated by the applicant as “informal,” but the drawings are considered acceptable by OPAP, the examiner should not require replacement of the drawings. This means that informal drawings can be accepted if they meet the necessary standards, even if not labeled as formal drawings. Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is an inventor&#8217;s certificate and how does it relate to patent priority rights? Can an inventor authorize someone else to sign the application oath or declaration on their behalf? What is the difference between an inventor and an applicant in a patent application? What are the signature requirements for inventor&#8217;s oaths or declarations? What are the requirements for inventor signatures on patent applications?