Before answering this question, we’ll need to know more about your invention. Is it still in the research or development stage or is it already manufactured? If you’re interested in having an idea, process or methodology patented, you may need a utility patent. On the other hand, if the appearance of your creation is vital to its originality, having a design patent can greatly protect your interests. It’s also possible to acquire both utility and design patents if your invention has both unique functionality and appearance aspects.

Reproduction of your designs through drawings and photographs can help. Keep in mind that once you have submitted your patent illustration application, you can’t make changes to it. This is why it’s best to work with a professional and experienced illustration company like Vigour IP. Apart from utility and design patents, we can also assist you with trade marks, brand identity and more.

Our clients are always welcome to a project estimate. Please email your request to enquiries@vigourip.com

The completed utility patent formal drawings will be sent via email in PDF format which will suffice for online filing. Trademark images and design patent drawings are sent in JPG format upon client approval. The files are adjusted to incorporate pixel dimension and file size requirements. Please do contact us if you require any alternative file format and we will be happy to assist.

Vigour will endeavour to have your drawings returned within 5 business days of your approval of our project confirmation.

We can assist with the production of formal drawings on an urgent basis. There is a 25% surcharge for this service and the drawings will be completed within 48 hours.

We all (should) know that the figures, i.e., patent drawings, do not define the claimed invention in a utility patent. The claims do. So what is the purpose of drawings in a utility patent?

Drawings are an important component of the overall disclosure in a patent. Features shown in the patent figures provide support for the claims. Generally, you cannot claim a feature that is absent from the drawings.

There is not much flexibility to add new features to drawings once a patent application is filed. You can, of course, file a CIP application where the drawing changes would be considered new matter. An argument can be made that certain features were originally disclosed in the written specification, so adding such disclosed features to the drawings would not constitute new matter. It will be up to the examiner on whether such drawing amendments will be allowed.

Replacement drawings to clarify original figures are generally more acceptable. Perhaps certain original figures were fuzzy or otherwise unclear. It is also proper and advisable to replace any initially filed informal drawings with formal drawings.

Common drawing amendments also include inserting missing numerals or correcting mislabeled numerals.

In a design patent, the figures are typically limited to a single embodiment. Design figures must meet strict drawing requirements and show the claimed design from certain views/angles (e.g., front, rear, top, bottom, left and right).

Utility patent drawings do not require any particular views. Utility patents commonly include drawings showing several embodiments, or examples of the invention. If a utility application involves a mechanical invention, it may help to show exploded and cross-sectional views to provide adequate disclosure of components and the internal parts of a device. Operative views that show a device in use in an intended environment may also be helpful.

Utility patents may also include block diagrams and flowcharts, especially when business methods and software are involved. Method diagrams may help to provide support for method claims, even when the overall nature of the invention is more directed to an apparatus.

Do-it-yourself drawings might be fine if you’re filing a provisional patent application. In a non-provisional patent application, we would recommend professional patent drawings if time permits. Illustrator fees are relatively low in comparison to patent attorney’s fees. Any potential cost savings in DIY drawings in a non-provisional application may be exceeded by the time and expense of having to correct the drawings subsequently during prosecution. We generally recommend having a non-provisional application prepared properly upfront to avoid delays and further expenses down the road.

For design patent applications, we always recommend using patent illustrators with substantial experience in drafting design patent drawings. Submitting proper design patent figures with the initial filing can save the applicant from a potential design Office Action which, in most design applications, involve objections to the drawings.