(206) 278 5151 [email protected]
January 29, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What do I need to order a drawing/illustration package ?

To purchase a drawing/illustration package, all you need is a valid credit card or a PayPal account. Please refer to the FAQ section on ‘Ordering a Utility Patent Drawing / Design Patent Drawing’ for details on how to purchase. You need to either sign in “My Account” or create and activate a new account when checking out.

How do I start with PatSketch (Formerly The Patent Drawings Company) ?

It is quite simple. On the PatSketch (Formerly The Patent Drawings Company) website, click on ‘Utility Patent Drawings’ or ‘Design Patent Drawings‘ to order patent drawings. Just follow the process you are guided through. You will be asked to share your details (your full name, business email, phone number, country name, etc.) before making the first purchase.

Should I get a patentability search done for my invention along with the drawings?

We would certainly recommend to have a patentability search done to ascertain published patents/ patent applications and non-patent literature such as research papers, articles, conference presentations which implicitly or explicitly disclose the invention under study. A patentability search will lower the risk of encountering relevant prior art at the time of examination of the patent application and also provide an opportunity to the inventor to improve upon relevant prior arts at the initial stage. Please send us an email at [email protected] or call us at

(206) 278 3228 regarding the patentability search for your invention.

Where I can sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

To protect the confidentiality of your invention we have uploaded our NDA on the website which you would be able to view while placing the order. Once, you click on the checkbox below the NDA it will get e-signed by both the parties and will get electronically executed. This will assure the protection/confidentiality of your invention.

Click here to read Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

For any query, please send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 206 278 5151.

 

Is a patent search required before moving to drafting the patent drawings?

Yes, we recommend getting a professional patentability search done before moving on with drafting the drawings and the patent application. We can assist you by running a comprehensive patentability search and provide our general opinion on the patentability aspect of the invention. Please write us an email at [email protected] to inquire about our patentability search services.

How many drawings should be ordered for my application?

The usual number of drawings which the patent office requires for a design patent application is 7 – including 6 planar views and a perspective view, at times there can still be more based on the complexity of the design. For a Utility patent application the drawings should cover all the functional aspects of the invention which are claimed in the patent, so, the number of drawings may vary based on the nature of the invention.

If you are not sure, get in touch at [email protected]. Our experts will help you define the number of drawings needed.

What are the special requirements of a patent drawing?

The patent drawing must include application number, Invention’s name, Inventor’s name, and any sort of authorized identification.
Keep the size of the drawing 11inch by 8.5 inches and white in color.
You must prepare flexible, plane, non-shiny drawing.
Also, it must be free of overwriting, alterations and erasing marks.

How important is patent drawing?

The patent drawings depict the visual disclosure of the patent claim.
Thus, it is important to produce clear and accurate patent drawings according to the specific guidelines and USPTO’s patent drawing rules.

How do you label patent drawings?

The drawing must have an appropriate title that clearly satisfies the purpose of the drawing.
It must have the name of the inventor, application number, or docket number (if provided) on the front of each sheet and centered within the top margin.

How to make utility patent drawings?

To prepare utility patent drawings, you have 2 options:
-Hire a professional draftsperson or drafting company.
-You can prepare them yourself.
However, to prepare legal patent drawings, you must seek help from a professional draftsperson.

What are utility patent drawings?

A utility patent protects the functional or structural or aspects of an invention.
The utility patent drawings help to define a complex invention and play an important role in the patent application process.

What is the difference between a design and utility patent drawing?

Design patent drawings are very different from the utility patent drawings.
The utility patent drawings show the functional elements of an invention, whereas the design patent drawings show the appearance or the surface texture.

What is a utility patent vs a design patent?

The utility patent protects the composition, structure or function of an invention, whereas the design patent protects the non-functional aesthetics of a product.
You can tell if a patent is a utility or design patent by looking at the patent number.
A design patent comprises of a number that starts with a “D,” (ex. D916873).
However, a utility patent only comprises of numbers (ex. 865754968).

How much does it cost for a utility patent?

The estimated cost to get a utility patent is around $7000 to $20,000.
It includes the cost of preparing and filing a utility patent application (short term cost).
Also, including the cost to examine the utility patent application (long term cost).

Can you make design patent drawings from photograph?

You must submit a design patent application in black and white or in color.
Photographs are not allowed in a design patent application by the USPTO.
However, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office allow the photographs in design patent applications if they are the only practicable medium for illustrating the invention.

Can you patent a design concept?

NO, one cannot patent an idea for an invention.
You must produce the invention or file a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that contains the invention.
Even though every invention starts with an idea, we cannot call every idea an Invention.

What is needed for a design patent?

According to the first part of section 171, there are 4 requirements for design patentability:
-Novelty
-Ornamentality
-Originality
-subject matter to be an article of manufacture

what trademark class includes drawings?

Class 16 includes paper, cardboard, and goods made from these materials.

How do I trademark an image?

To trademark an image, contact an attorney to attain trademark clearance.
It is a permission to register the trademark after a thorough trademark search.
It not only finds exact matches of the image you want to trademark, but also the images with a close resemblance.

What is a design mark trademark?

The design trademark is used to register words or letters with a specific appearance.
It also includes a trademark consisting a design element, or a combination of specific stylized wording or design.

when should patentability searches be conducted?

A patentability search is actually a matter of choice.
However, it depends upon the reason behind the search.
Mostly, inventors perform a patent search if they have an invention worth patenting.
Also, sometimes inventors don’t have a complete invention, but wants to get an idea of the patent landscape.
It helps him to decide whether to continue the project or target other available spaces.

What is a patentability search?

 

Patentability Search is also known as Novelty Search or Prior Art Search.
In other words, a patentability search means searching for any reference that discloses exact or similar invention to the one we want to patent.

What is patent invalidity search?

A Patent invalidity or opposition search identifies patent and non-patent documents which impacts the claims of a particular patent.
It helps to block other patents and maintain the solidity of the patent portfolio.

How do I do a prior art search?

Here are a few general steps that you may follow to conduct a prior art search yourself:
-Research the keywords that describe the invention.
-Search various patent databases.
-Search beyond the databases as well.
-Know when to conclude the search.

Are design patents worthless?

You must file a Design patent application after finalizing the look of an invention.
In other words, design patents now have increased consequentially value and strength.
Thus, are worth pursuing more than in the past.

Engineering drawings follow which set of standards?

The major set of engineering drawing standards is ASME Y14. 5 and Y14. 5M.
It was last revised in 2009.
It applies mostly in the US.
Moreover, ISO 8015 (Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Fundamentals — Concepts, principles and rules) is important too.

How do you extract information from engineering drawings?

To extract infromation from engineering drawings, you must try to read the Information Blocks.
They contain necessary information about the assembly.
Located in the bottom right-hand corner of the drawing.
They provide details about the drawing such as part number, description, material etc.
The main information blocks are:
-Title block
-Revision Block
-Bills of material block
Finally, the lines depict the surface and the inner or outer parts.

How to make engineering drawings?

Autodesk is best for creating 3D design and engineering software.
The Autodesk Product Design Suite is a comprehensive 3D product design tool that provides everything a design engineer requires.
It includes simulation, visualization, collaboration, and digital prototyping tools.
However, it is best to seek help from the professionals.

 

Creating My Account

How do I register at PatSketch (Formerly The Patent Drawings Company) ?

You will be asked to share your details (your full name, business email, phone number, etc.) before making the first purchase. You also have the option of directly registering at “My Account” page where you need to submit your business email. Once you click on that Register button, you will receive your account details on registered email. Further, you can edit your password and account details.

 

About Our Services

What software you will be using to create our drawings?

Following are the formats that we will be using create client’s drawings: AutoCAD, TurboCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, CorelDraw Suite, Visio, etc.

Can you do patent drawings for countries other than United States ?

Yes, besides keeping up to date with United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) regulations, we are also up to date with various other patent offices like: EP, WIPO, CA, UK, JP, KR, AU, DE, SG, IL, etc. and provide drawing services regularly

What about iterations/corrections?

Any corrections needed due to our error will be done at no charge. Small revisions will be done at no charge. Changes to the scope of the project and additional drawings will be charged at our normal rate.

What information do I need to provide to avail patent drawing service?

Anything that can help us understand your invention in a better way like website images, sketches, photographs, informal drawings, AutoCAD files, brochures or video

Why PatSketch (Formerly The Patent Drawings Company)?

Over the years, by offering QUICK, ECONOMIC, & ACCURATE patent drawings services to patent law firms/practitioners and corporations, we have established a name for clients to rely on 100% in any situation where they need the patent figures. No matter how complex are the patent (utility or design) drawings you are looking for, our draftsmen are well equipped to handle each of those with 100% compliance to patent office rules. Our team takes proud in keeping updated both about Using the latest software/technologies to cater to any and every output format that exists AND about rules/guidelines of all major patent offices around the world. So Welcome to the SUPER-EASY patent figures ordering platform and get ADDICTED!

How will I know if these are utility or design patent drawings?

If the drawing is supporting a utility patent application it is a utility patent drawing and if it is for a design patent application it is a design patent drawing.

Is the exploded view considered as one drawing?

Yes, a single view of a drawing is considered as one drawing.

How many different angles of drawings do I get by paying $39/$29?

This is a per figure cost, every view will cost an additional $39 / $29.

What payment methods do you accept?

We prefer to accept payments via Pay Pal. However, if you are not comfortable with it, we can also accept wire transfers.

Can I submit a sample of my product for the drawing instead of photographs? If so how?

Yes, you can. Go to our service pages, and through that page you can submit a sample of your product. However, if we have any questions on the details of the drawings, our experts will contact you.

What sort of guarantee you have for confidentiality of the subject in the drawings?

We sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with every client that we work with. All our employees also have signed an NDA with us to prevent any leakage of any kind of confidential information.

Does a design patent drawing require dimensions?

If you have it, it will be great and will help us make better drawings in the first go itself. Else, if you don’t, no worries – we will prepare the first draft based on what we have and can do iterations based on your feedback.

Can you create a drawing from specifications without an exact picture?

Yes, we can create a drawing from specifications without an exact picture but we still will like to receive a hand drawn image of the drawings. Also, such a situation usually requires multiple iterations and normal pricing and delivery dates are not applicable.

Would you be able to create a sketch without a prototype but with a detailed description?

Yes, we can create a prototype based on the description of the invention but we still will like to receive a hand drawn image of the drawing. Also, such a situation usually requires multiple iterations and normal pricing and delivery dates are not applicable.

What are the details you require from me?

Anything that can describe your invention including sketches, prototypes, 3d-renderings, photogrphs, videos etc. will work for us. Even if you don’t have one of these we can create it from scratch based on the subject matter of the invention and rough hand drawn sketches.

How do you go about doing the numbering, lines, etc. for the figures?

Numbering, lining and other elements are included in a patent drawing based on the requirement of the respective patent office. We have expert patent draftsperson that are well acquainted with the patent drawing rules and rest assured that we will do things accordingly. You can share these details as per your needs during the start of the project or as input once the drawings have been finalized.

Is the number of figures non-exhaustive?

There is no rigid rule on the numbers of figures needed. It depends on what and how you wish to convey your idea or invention to the respective patent office. Any number that can explain your idea completely is more than enough.

Do you work on 3D rendering projects?

Yes, we will be able to do that. Let us know what is needed and we will get back to you.

Is the $29 per drawing per sheet or per each drawing on a sheet?

Our prices are per drawing and not per sheet.

I realize that drawing amendments are different from the original design drawings and was wondering if you would be able to help me in amending those drawings?

Yes

Can you confirm that the figures you create include numbers identifying particular parts of the figures?

Yes, we include numbering and also other necessary elements as per the specified rules of the respective patent office including sheet size, line-types, shading style everything. However, we will need to know the numberings from you in order to incorporate it into the drawings.

Some of the files I’d like to submit to you are photographs. Those photos don’t have numbers on them. Is there a way I can work with your team to indicate which parts should be numbered?

Yes, we can do that. Numbering is essential and can be provided once the first draft of our drawings has been completed. Our expert draftsperson will use them to incorporate it into the final drawings.

What are your office hours, as I would like to discuss my project?

We are available Monday to Friday. Please call on the number provided.

Could you please explain what constitutes a “figure” for pricing?

We assure you that our pricing is pretty straight-forward and very transparent. For example, we don’t charge extra for each block in a block diagram – it would be a single figure. Similarly, a flowchart would be considered as a single figure. However, for example, multiple graphs in the same figure would be considered as separate figures because we will have to draw each of them separately or for example, Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c showing different embodiments of the same invention would be considered as separate figures.

Do you also provide assistance in drafting the complete patent application?

Yes, we can draft the complete provisional as well as the non-provisional patent application. This service covers drafting the drawings, specification, claims of the patent application. Please send us an email at [email protected] to inquire about our patent application drafting services.

What is the process of ordering patent drawings through your website?

Go to our home page, click on Utility or Design patent drawings based on your requirements, enter your basic details, review the NDA and click on the check-box below it to get it e-signed, upload the figures/images, checkout, make the payment and your order will get placed.

What types of Input data or formats do you support?

Please Visit the HOW IT WORKS section and view INPUT REQUEST DETAILS AND UPLOAD FILES.

Link for the same, https://thepatentdrawingscompany.com/

How do I get to know about expected delivery date, ask for iterations and watch the work progress?

Just visit the MY ACCOUNT section at the HOME page and login your details.

Link, https://thepatentdrawingscompany.com/account/

Should I go for utility patent drawings or design patent drawings?

The answer depends on what sort of protection you are seeking for your invention. If you wish to secure the functionality of your invention, then you file a utility patent. . A utility patent will grant you exclusive rights to produce and sell a certain article for a given span of time.

If you are looking to protect its appearance, design, ornamental features, etc. then you should go for a design patent. A design patent will grant you exclusive rights to the appearance of your article only.

What is your turnaround time for the patent drawings?

For standard requests, our turnaround time is 4-5 business days. However, you can select the “3 days as expedited” from the “Delivery Speed Options” drop-down menu while placing your order in case you need the drawings faster. Special cases of even quicker delivers can be discussed.

 

Ordering a Utility Patent Drawing / Design Patent Drawing

Can I change or cancel my order?

Changes or cancellations to an already placed order can be done in two ways:

  1. By sending an email to the account manager assigned to you for this delivery (the details will be in your order confirmation email).
  2. By calling our customer services helpline at +1 (206) 278 3228

While we will make every attempt to change your order, additional charges may apply if work on the request has begun or if the scope changes significantly. Therefore, please make changes as soon as you can.

 

Delivering Your Report

How my Patent Drawings will be delivered?

The drawing can be delivered in any of the below mentioned formats:

  • DWG
  • IGES
  • CAT
  • PDF
  • CAD
  • SLD
  • AI
  • VSD
  • ASM
  • STL
  • EASM

However, if you have some specific requirement or preferences, it will be delivered in that format only.

 

Troubleshooting

I am still confused – What do I do?

No Problem! We are here to help you – e-mail us to discuss your requirements.

How do I find patent drawings?

You may search a patent in the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT).
The USPTO contains full text for issued patents from1976 to till date.
Here, you may find the PDF images for all patents from 1790 to the present.


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