Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to top questions about Patentability Search, novelty evaluation, and the patent filing process.
Why do I need professional drawings for my patent? ▼
Patent offices have strict technical rules regarding line thickness, shading, and margins. Poor-quality drawings are one of the most common reasons for a patent application being delayed or rejected.
Can I use 3D CAD models instead of 2D drawings? ▼
While you design in 3D, most patent offices still require 2D line-art exports. Your 3D models must be converted into standard views (Perspective, Front, Top, etc.) with proper line weights to be accepted.
Can I just use my own photos of the product? ▼
Generally, no. Most patent offices require black-and-white line art. Photos are rarely accepted unless they are the only way to show the invention (like a microscopic biological structure or a specific fabric texture).
What are "Broken Lines" (dashed lines) used for? ▼
In patent drawings, dashed or broken lines usually indicate parts of the object that are not part of the claimed invention. They provide context (showing how the invention is held or used) without legally claiming those parts.
How many views do I need to provide? ▼
For a Design Patent, you typically need seven views: front, back, right side, left side, top, bottom, and a perspective view. For a Utility Patent, you only need enough views to clearly explain the invention's mechanism.
Do I need to include dimensions or measurements? ▼
Yes. No. Patent drawings are not blueprints or engineering plans. They are "representative" drawings. You should not include specific measurements unless a very specific ratio is critical to the invention's function.
Can I use color in my patent drawings? ▼
Color is permitted but discouraged because it requires a special petition and extra fees. It is usually better to use hatching or shading to represent different materials or colors in black and white.
What happens if the examiner says my drawings are "informal"? ▼
This means the drawings don't meet the technical formatting standards (e.g., lines are too blurry or margins are wrong). You will have a specific timeframe to submit "formal" corrected versions to keep your application alive.
Can I add new drawings later if I forget a detail? ▼
This is very risky. You generally cannot add "new matter" after the filing date. If a detail wasn't in the original drawings or description, you might not be allowed to add it later without losing your original filing date.
Do I need drawings for a software or process patent? ▼
Yes. While you aren't drawing a physical object, you must provide flowcharts or logic diagrams that show the step-by-step "architecture" of how the software or process functions.
