Are you planning to file a patent application? If so, you must have drawings to include in your application. However, patent drawings are not the only “drawings” that an investor should consider. They are any artworks or illustrations of the invention or the methods or steps to utilize the invention or prior art in the patent claim.
Read Also: A Guide to Patent Drawings, Draft Descriptions, and Abstracts
How do I Make Patent Drawings?
Patent drawings are like any other illustration of the invention, the methods or phases to utilize or carry out the invention, or the prior art in the patent claim. Thus, they are an essential part of the patent process. Under the U.S. patent law, patent applications need to include at least one patent drawing when a drawing would assist with understanding the invention.
They are also called patent illustrations sometimes, and including them is an excellent way to strengthen your application. However, it is essential to distinguish what to do and what not to do when creating a patent drawing. This will help your drawing rather than hindering your application.
Also Read: 3 Important Elements of a Good Patent Drawing
How can Drawings Can Improve Your Application
Patent drawings are a simple requirement unless your application is related to a chemical method or compound. And to be on the safe side, you should include one. Sometimes, patent applicants need to disconnect on what to include in the application and what not to include. Good drawings help the application. You can practically illustrate everything, including methods, in some way.
Your description of your invention, however, needs to be detailed and nuanced. This will begin with an overview and then peel back to the invention’s layers and describe each of them in great detail. These drawings are constructive in this process. A good set of drawings accompanying written descriptions can help the reader grasp the invention’s concept thoroughly.
Also Read: A Short Guide to Office Actions in Utility Patent Drawings
What Should Be Included in the Drawings?
Many patent applications include several sheets of drawings, along with multiple views on each sheet. So, if your invention is a physical object, your drawings must include views of the object from each perspective and angle: front, top, bottom, back, and sides. Sometimes can also comply diagrams or an “exploded view”, allowing the user to perceive each component. This also allows seeing the spatial relationship among the components in the final product. Drawings of processes and methods usually consist of flow charts and diagrams. These are designed to help the reader understand the steps in the process and their order.
Also Read: 4 Key Software to Make Your Patent Drawings More Creative
Specific Requirements
According to the USPTO, patent illustrations should be drawn on white matte paper that is strong and flexible. Further, it should be:
- Single-sided
- Either 21cm by 29.7cm or 21.6cm by 27.9 cm (8 1/2 by 11 inches)
- Margined as follows:
- 2.5 cm on the top
- 2.5 cm on the left side
- 1.5 cm on the right side
- 1 Cm on the bottom.
- Arranged with different views grouped logically together and facing in the same direction on the page
- It preferably orients in portrait form as opposed to landscape form.
There are specific requirements. However, they differ by circumstance, for captions and fonts and, as well as minimal circumstances. Further, when you submit colour drawings, it should meet certain specific requirements which will apply when colour drawings to be in good use.
Also Read: How to Convert Patent Drawings into Special Artwork
Why choose PatSketch?
The USPTO has strict rules regarding patent drawings. Therefore it is best to work with a professional patent illustrator like PatSketch. PatSketch has the skills, knowledge, expertise, and technique to create superior patent designs and illustrations. So be rest assured because we will work closely with you to proficiently turn your vision into an illustration that will represent your invention accurately.
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