What is the purpose of allowing minor drawing changes without applicant’s annotated sheets?

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 provision in MPEP 608.02(w) allowing minor drawing changes without requiring annotated sheets from the applicant serves several purposes:

• Streamlines the patent examination process
• Reduces administrative burden on applicants
• Allows for quick resolution of minor drawing issues
• Facilitates efficient preparation of applications for issue

The MPEP states: Where an application is ready for issue except for a slight defect in the drawing not involving change in structure, the examiner will prepare a letter to the applicant indicating the change to be made…

This approach ensures that minor drawing corrections can be made efficiently, without delaying the issuance of patents due to small, easily resolvable issues in the drawings.