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Patent
drawings are illustrations of your invention. These drawings allow the examiner to view
the parts of your invention and how the entire
invention should operate.
Unlike blueprints, patent drawings do not
include dimensions or identify the materials used
to create your invention. The purpose of patent drawings is to give
the patent examiner a clear idea of what your
invention is.
Blueprints on the other hand, provide very
specific instructions as to how your invention
should be made.
Patent drawings can also be found in the
sample patent application later in this handbook. Patent drawings are a mandatory part of any
patent application.
You need to have these drawings before you
start, because a large part of the patent
application deals with describing the drawings.
There
are two types of patent drawings: formal and
informal. The
difference between formal and informal drawings is
that formal drawings must meet strict guidelines
and rules set forth by the United States Patent
and Trademark Office (USPTO). On the other hand, informal drawings do not
have to comply with any of these rules. You may file your patent application with
either formal or informal drawings. However, formal drawings of your invention
are required before your patent will be issued. |
