When are new drawings required before examination in a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 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. New drawings may be required before examination in several situations: When drawings have not been filed, but a drawing will aid in understanding the invention (see MPEP § 608.02 ). When applications appear to be missing drawings (see MPEP § 601.01(f) or 601.01(g) ). When the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) finds the drawings unacceptable for publication. When the supervisory patent examiner believes the drawings do not permit reasonable examination. As stated in the MPEP: If at the time of the initial assignment of an application to an examiner’s docket, or if at the time the application is taken up for action, the supervisory patent examiner believes the drawings to be of such a condition as to not permit reasonable examination of the application, applicant should be required to immediately submit corrected drawings. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Contents of Patent Application Required MPEP 601 Required Specification and Drawings Required for Filing Date MPEP 601 Required Specification and Drawings Required for Filing Date MPEP 601 Required Fee Required for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Inventor Must File Written Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Fee and Oath/Declaration Requirement for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Layout and Content of Patent Applications Under AIA MPEP 601 Reissue Application Requirements MPEP 601 Language and Drawings Must Be Resolved Before Publication MPEP 608 Recommended Original Disclosure Requirement for Filing MPEP 608 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if a patent application is missing figures mentioned in the specification? What is the difference between a sp...