When can I file colour patent drawings with the EPO?

From 1 October 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) allows applicants to file colour patent drawings in electronically filed European patent applications, provided that the drawings comply with all EPO technical and quality standards.

Is it mandatory to file patent drawings in colour?

No. Filing colour patent drawings is optional. Applicants may continue to use black-and-white or greyscale drawings, or a combination of formats within the same application, as permitted under the updated EPO drawing guidelines.

Are colour drawings accepted for paper-filed EPO applications?

No. Colour patent drawings are accepted only for electronically filed applications. Paper filings must still comply with the EPO’s black-and-white line drawing requirements.

Will my colour patent drawings be published in colour by the EPO?

Yes. Drawings filed electronically in colour or greyscale will be published exactly as filed and made available in the public EPO file without conversion to black and white.

Can colour drawings be used in PCT (international) applications?

No. The PCT system does not permit colour patent drawings for international publication. Any colour drawings submitted under the PCT will be converted to black and white, although the original colour versions may be viewable on WIPO PATENTSCOPE.

How are Euro-PCT applications with colour drawings handled by the EPO?

For Euro-PCT applications entering the European phase on or after 1 October 2025, the EPO will process colour drawings only if the international publication confirms that colour drawings are available on PATENTSCOPE. Otherwise, the black-and-white version will be used.

Can colour be relied upon to define the invention?

No. Even though the EPO permits colour patent drawings, the invention must not rely on colour features. Technical elements must be described independently of colour in the claims, description, and abstract.

Can black-and-white drawings be replaced with colour drawings later?

Generally, no. Black-and-white drawings cannot be replaced with colour drawings after filing unless the application was originally filed in colour. Any corrected drawings must correspond to the original disclosure.

Can I mix black-and-white, greyscale, and colour drawings in one application?

Yes. The EPO allows applicants to mix black-and-white, greyscale, and colour patent drawings within the same application, provided that all figures meet EPO compliance and consistency requirements.

What technical standards apply to EPO colour patent drawings?

All drawings must be clear, durable, and suitable for reproduction at 300 dpi. Lines, shading, and contrast must be uniform and well defined to meet EPO colour drawing quality standards.

Will colour drawings affect filings outside Europe?

They may. While the EPO allows colour drawings, many non-European patent offices still require black-and-white drawings. Applicants seeking global protection should retain black-and-white versions for international filings.

Can colour drawings be amended during EPO prosecution?

Yes. Amended drawings filed electronically after 1 October 2025 may be submitted in colour or greyscale, provided that they do not introduce new subject matter and comply with all EPO drawing rules.

Do translations and divisional applications need to retain colour drawings?

Yes. Translations and divisional applications must reproduce drawings exactly as originally filed. If the parent application includes colour patent drawings, those drawings must remain in colour.

EPO Compliant Colour Patent Drawings Services

EPO Compliant Colour Patent Drawings Services

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Price: ~~£30~~ £25.

With the updated EPO colour patent drawing guidelines effective from October 2025, accurate and EPO compliant colour patent drawings have become essential for successful European patent filings. At PatSketch, we provide professional EPO colour patent drawing services for UK applicants, ensuring every illustration meets the latest European Patent Office drawing requirements.

Our experienced team of patent illustrators specialising in EPO patent drawings delivers high-quality visuals that clearly represent your invention. Whether you require greyscale or colour patent drawings, we maintain strict adherence to EPO drawing guidelines while enhancing clarity, technical accuracy, and presentation.
Our affordable EPO patent drawing services help inventors, attorneys, and IP firms submit compliant drawings without unnecessary delays or revisions.

Check out our colour patent drawings samples to experience the quality and accuracy of our illustrations.

By choosing our EPO patent drawing services UK, you benefit from illustrations that improve examiner understanding, strengthen your European patent application, and reduce the risk of EPO objections or avoidable office actions.

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