What is the purpose of drawing review in the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP)?

The primary purpose of drawing review in OPAP is to determine whether the drawings in new utility and plant patent applications can be effectively scanned for publication purposes. As stated in MPEP 507:

The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) performs an initial review of drawings in new utility and plant patent applications to determine whether the drawings can be effectively scanned for publication purposes.

It’s important to note that design applications are not subject to this review as they are not published.

Topics: MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers, MPEP 507 - Drawing Review in the Office of Patent Application Processing, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: OPAP review, patent drawings, plant patents, utility patents