When are drawings required in a patent application?
According to 35 U.S.C. 113, drawings are required ‘where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented.’ Specifically:
- For applications filed on or after December 18, 2013 (except design applications), drawings are not required to receive a filing date, but may still be necessary to fully disclose the invention.
- For applications filed before December 18, 2013, drawings were required at filing if necessary for understanding the invention.
- Design applications must include drawings to receive a filing date.
The USPTO recommends including drawings in most cases, as they help ensure the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 113 are met for any claimed invention.
To learn more:
Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure