Utility patent drawings are graphical ways of representing your invention. They form an essential part of utility patents. These drawings are helpful to explain a complex invention in graphical form. In the process of approving patent applications, they thereby play a big part.
Why should utility patent drawings be submitted with your patent application?
- Simple graphic representations of your concept or invention are called utility patent drawings. They are a simple and powerful way to present your ideas.
- The patent examiner can also learn some basic information about the elements of your utility patent application from the drawings.
- Without illustrations, a patent application becomes convoluted and more difficult for the examiner to comprehend. Therefore, the underdogs that may make or break your application are the patent drawings.
- A utility patent application must be rejected if it doesn’t include at least one utility patent drawing. Additionally, without a patent drawing, your application can be refused.
- Your ability to effectively depict your ideas can be improved, and a well-explained utility patent design ensures that your patent application will be accepted.
Essential Points to consider before starting with a utility drawing
- You must first be clear on your utility artwork’s central concept and ultimate result.
- To prevent a rejection later, carefully review all USPTO standards and requirements for utility patent drawings.
- Make a point of novelty in the drawing’s focal point. The concept that distinguishes your creation from currently available technologies on the market is the novelty point. Therefore, the novelty of your invention should be depicted in your patent artwork. Consequently, allowing you to represent is the way to eliminate novelty.
Utility Patent Drawing Requirements/Guidelines
The USPTO’s rules are designed to give illustrators a starting point and ensure consistency in the standard process. Additionally, USPTO guidelines provide uniformity and make your patent application approval process go smoothly. These specifications provide a road map for patent illustrators to create clear and efficient illustrations.
The most preferable paper for utility patent drawings is black and white. However, if color paper is required, you can also use it.
The drawing sheet must be 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm in size.
Concerning the following dimensions, margins should be present:
Top – 2.5 cm
Left – 2.5 cm
Right – 1.5 cm
Bottom – 1 cm
- After margins, the usable sheet surface is 17 x 26.2 cm.
- The sheets should be numbered using Arabic numerals. Additionally, make sure that the top margin is not used for numbering. If your utility design is large and is about to touch the top margin, you can put the numbers there.
- It’s crucial to include specifics in your utility patent drawing, which should also have reference characters and lead lines with arrows. The reference characters should match those in the design exactly. A lead line can be used to link the reference character to the drawing as well. Use the same reference number if a section of your picture appears in more than one illustration.
- To facilitate identification if sheets are mixed up, an identifying number is added to the top margin. These markings identify the invention, the inventor’s name, and the docket number.
How to Make Your Own Utility Patent Drawings
If you’re looking to protect an idea or product that’s not yet ready for market, you’ll need to file a provisional patent application. You can do so online at http://www.uspto.gov/provisional/. Once you’ve filed your provisional application, you can submit a non-provisional utility patent application once your invention is complete.
Choose a Topic.
Before you start drawing anything, make sure you choose a topic that interests you. You’ll be inspired to complete the task because of this. Also, think about how you would describe your invention to someone who didn’t know much about it. What words would you use? What images would you include?
Decide Whether You Want an Ex Parte or Inter Partes Application.
An ex parte application is filed with the USPTO directly against another party. It’s used when there is no prior art (prior knowledge) of the invention. If there is prior art, then an inter partes application is filed.
Determine Which Type of Drawing Is Best For Your Invention.
Before filing a utility patent application, you will need to make two main types of drawings. These are called “schematic” and “detailed.” Schematic drawings are straightforward and only show the general shape of the invention. Detailed illustrations show every detail of the design, such as how the parts fit together.
Create a Drafting Plan.
You should start with a draft plan showing your invention’s exact details. This will help you avoid mistakes when drawing the schematic and detailed drawings. It also lets you track where each part goes so that you can quickly put them back into place after you finish drafting the drawings.
Utility patent drawings are graphical ways of representing your invention. They form an essential part of utility patents. These drawings are helpful to explain a complex invention in graphical form. As a result, they play a significant role in approving patent applications.
