What should be included in patent drawings?

Patent drawings should include every feature of the invention specified in the claims, as required by 37 CFR 1.83(a). Key elements to include are:

  • All claimed features of the invention
  • Sufficient views to show the entire structure of the invention
  • Proper use of reference characters corresponding to elements described in the specification
  • Conventional features may be shown as a labeled rectangular box

However, the drawings should not contain excessive text or duplicate information already present in the specification. Tables and sequences included in the specification should not be duplicated in the drawings.

If the nature of the invention allows, the drawings should also show the improved portion disconnected from the old structure, as well as enough of the old structure to show the connection of the invention, as per 37 CFR 1.83(b).

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Topics: Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: patent drawings