Chapter 5: The drawings
Section (5.01 - 5.56) last updated: March 2017.
5.01
Drawings, although not essential, may be used to supplement the description of an invention in a patent application. Where drawings are referred to in the description (whether or not they meet the requirements of the Act or Rules), they must be filed on the same date as the description to allow that date to be accorded as the date of filing the application (s.15(3)). Where drawings have not been filed refer to 5.36.
5.02
At the preliminary examination stage see chapter 7, the Formalities Examiner will examine the drawings for compliance with the Act and Rules and will judge them to be either “formal” or “informal”. Rule 14 and Schedule 2 (along with the practice changes in [PDN 02/15] – where these differ from the schedule, adhere to the PDN) set out the conditions to be met in order for the drawings to be considered “Formal”. (See Annex 5A - Rule 14 and Schedule 2).
5.03
Where electronically filed drawings are of poor quality it is important to check the BLOB to see if the quality of drawings has been lost in the conversion to PDAX. If they are of poor quality and the drawings on the BLOB are found to be acceptable, the FE should either print a copy and scan them back onto the application or re-import the PDF document back onto the application. These then can be marked ‘formal’.
- the BLOB contains the electronic information filed and can be found by selecting that option from the dropdown menu at the top of the dossier page
5.04
Where this procedure is carried out and drawings are still not of an acceptable quality, an objection should be raised via a preliminary examination report.
5.05
Drawings that meet the requirements as set out above should be annotated in PDAX as ‘formal’.
5.06
Drawings that do not meet the formal requirements as set out above should be annotated in PDAX as ‘informal’.
5.07
For the purposes of filing only, applications which are filed electronically are exempt from many of the formal and other requirements for drawings and documents which apply to paper filed applications. This allows customers to file applications easily by electronic means and obtain a filing date.
5.08
Directions issued under section 124A govern how the Office will deal with applications after they have been delivered electronically. The latest directions are at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/filing-patent-applications-by-electronic-means–2
5.09
Heading 6 of the Directions set out the formal requirements for drawings in an electronically delivered application as below:
The following provisions of the Rules shall apply to electronic applications and shall be formal requirements: Schedule 2 Part 1 paragraph 3, ……………..Schedule 2 Part 3 paragraphs 11, 12 and 14-20.
5.10
Once the electronic application has been filed all the formal requirements will apply in the same way as for any other application except those which relate specifically to paper filed applications (paragraphs 1, 2 and 13 of schedule 2).
Part 4 of Schedule 2 (along with PDN 02/15) applies to all applications.
5.11
Compliance with the provisions of r.14 and Sch.2 (except for the specified exceptions) is a formal requirement (r.25). Therefore, when informal drawings are filed with an application, the Formalities Examiner must request formal copies. Any objection to the drawings and consequent request for formal drawings should be made using the appropriate paragraph(s) of letters PER-AG (FL1) or PER-PA (LFEPA) on PROSE. (See Annex 5A - Rule 14 and Schedule 2)
5.12
The specified period for providing formal drawings is fifteen months calculated from the earliest date (either the declared priority, or the date of filing).
5.13
Where less than 2 months of the period remains, a minimum of 2 months should be allowed to file the drawings. This period may be automatically extended under r.109 by two months at the Applicant/Agent’s written request. This may be either a letter or an e-mail to the dedicated e-mail address PATEOT@ipo.gov.uk.
5.14
If the formal drawings are received outside the extended period (available under r.109), the Applicant/Agent may request Comptroller’s discretion be exercised to allow the late filing. The request for the Comptroller’s discretion should be accompanied by an explanation as to the cause of the delay. In such cases, the file should be referred to the Casework Lead for consideration.
5.15
Drawings filed later than the date of filing are identifiable by having the date stamped on each sheet.
5.16
These later filed drawings should be checked against those originally filed to ensure that:
a) They fully meet the formal requirements of r.14, Sch.2 and PDN 02/15.
b) They are true copies of the originally filed drawings.
5.17
Where the formal requirements have been met and there are no differences between the original and later filed drawings, the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Annotate the drawings ‘formal’
b) Add COPS Footnote 1 using REC FOO.
c) Either prepare the dossier for publication if all requirements are complied with, or close it down to await further documents, diary or a checklist message.
5.18
Where the formal requirements have been met but there are differences between the original and later filed drawings, the Formalities Examiner should create a minute for the Patent Examiner’s attention detailing the noted discrepancies.
5.19
The Patent Examiner will consider the later filed drawings and either decide that the drawings are acceptable (in which case the Formalities Examiner should proceed as per 5.17, or will instruct Formalities to request replacement drawings which exactly match those originally filed.
5.20
Where replacement drawings are required, whether because of differences or because the drawings still do not fully meet the formal requirements, the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Contact the agent and request replacement drawings, indicating the areas of deficiency in the previous submission;
b) Set a period of reply - where the 15 month period has already expired, or less than one month remains, a period of one month should be set. Where the 15 month period has not expired and has more than one month remaining, then the expiry date of the 15 months should be set as the reply period;
c) set a suitable diary date to monitor the case;
5.21
Drawings containing formulae which appear in the text of the specification are rarely needed. Formulae within the body of the specification is usually sufficient.
5.22
When such drawings are supplied by the applicant, the Formalities Examiner should compare the formulae on these sheets against those contained in the specification and bring any discrepancies to the Patent Examiner’s attention. No objection should be raised at the initial formalities examination.
5.23
Any questions relating to formulae drawings should be referred in the first instance to the Casework Lead to consider their suitability for publication. Further guidance may be found in MOPP 15A.09 and 14.181.
Photographs
5.24
Photographs are often submitted with the intention that they are used as drawings.
5.25
Photographs do not automatically meet the formal requirements for drawings. The FE need only consider whether the figure can be reproduced for publication purposes based on the clarity of the photograph. See PDN 02/15 for further details.
5.26
When the Office reprints a PCT s.89 application during the National Phase, it is the drawings attached to the WIPO pamphlet or the supplied translation that are used for reprinting purposes.
5.27
If a translation of the drawings is required because the drawings contain textual matter but has not yet been supplied, see Chapter 13.
Formal drawings requested but not filed
5.28
If formal drawings have been requested, and have not been filed within the specified period (as extendable under r.109), PROSE letter FL48 should be issued, provided that there is only this formal requirement outstanding.
5.29
The dossier should be diarised for a period of 1 month from the issue of the FL48. The dossier should then be closed down to await further action. The refusal date is given on the FL48 is not a specified period and is not extendable as of right by two months. It may however be possible to file a late response to the FL48 before the refusal decision has been issued providing reasons for the late response.
5.30
Where acceptable drawings (and reasons) are filed, action should be taken as per 5.16-17 above. The reason for the late filing should be assessed by the Formalities Examiner and only referred to the Casework Lead for consideration where the reasons are unclear.
5.31
Where the drawings are not filed by the date given for refusal and the applicant has not asked to be heard in the matter, a decision of refusal should be issued under s.15A (7) (see chapter 12).
5.32
Where drawings are filed but are still not formal, a free text letter should be issued giving them a further 1 month to respond.
Correction of drawings
5.33
An applicant may request a correction of the drawings on file under the provisions of s.117, by filing a written request.
5.34
Any such request to correct a drawing should be referred to the Patent Examiner. If the Patent Examiner allows the request but is unable to correct the drawings on the dossier, replacement copies showing the correction will be required. Footnote 6 should be added for correction under s.117.
5.35
The applicant should be advised that the request has been allowed and if appropriate, asked to submit replacement copies of the drawings. The Patent Examiner will either carry out this action or instruct the Formalities Examiner what action to take. When the replacement drawings are filed they should be actioned as per 5.16-17 above.
Filed by the applicant (before preliminary examination)
5.36
Where any drawing has been omitted from the application the agent/applicant can elect to file these missing drawings. This time period can be extended under rule 108(3) by filing Form 52. The application will then be automatically re-dated to the date of filing the missing drawings unless the provisions set out below apply.
a) If the applicant is to avoid re-dating of the application they must withdraw the missing drawings in writing (r.18 (3)). If the applicant asks to withdraw the missing drawing(s) under s.15 (6)(b) it will not be included in the printed ‘A’ document, however it will become open for public inspection following A publication.
b) Alternatively, the applicant must request that re-dating does not take place because the provisions of s.15 (7) (b) apply.
5.37
The provisions of s.15 (7) (b) will only apply when there is a priority claim and the applicant can show that the missing drawings were included in the priority document. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide enough information to determine where in the priority document the missing drawings appear (and on which case where appropriate).
5.38
Every missing part must be included in the priority document if the earlier filing date is to be retained. If there is any doubt as to whether subject matter is being added then the Patent Examiner should be consulted.
5.39
Unless a copy of the document is already held in the office, a certified copy of the priority document containing the missing parts must be filed. This must be done within 16 months of the priority date or within 4 months of the request to retain the original filing date if that is earlier.
5.40
Where missing drawings are filed by applicant/agent of their own accord, the letter at Annex 5B - Letter where missing drawings filed by applicant should be issued explaining the options if automatic re-dating is not to take place and specifying a time for response.
5.41
If the applicant files missing drawings and requests that the application is not re-dated the Formalities Examiner should refer the case to the Casework Lead to determine if all the conditions set out above have been satisfied. If there is any doubt as to whether all the missing parts are contained in the earlier application the case should be referred to the Patent Examiner for advice.
5.42
If the missing drawing(s) are present in the priority application a complete set should be compiled and the following footnote added:
“Page …. Of the drawings has been treated as filed under the provisions of Section 15(7) (b)”
5.43
During the Preliminary Examination, the Formalities Examiner must ensure that all drawings referred to in the description are present and that there are no obviously missing drawings. If it is discovered that a drawing or drawings are missing, the Formalities Examiner should carry out one of the following actions in accordance with s.15A(4) and 15A(9)(b):-
a) Where the application makes no claim to priority, issue the appropriate paragraph inviting the applicant to file the missing drawings. The standard paragraph gives the applicant 2 months in which they can file the missing drawing(s) and have the application re-dated to the date they are filed. This period is extendable under rule 108(1) – Comptroller’s discretion. If the applicant does not file them then the application will proceed in the ‘as filed’ state and references to the missing drawing(s) will be treated as omitted.
Or
b) Where the application claims priority from an earlier application the missing drawings may be contained in this priority application and s.15 (7)(b) may apply see 5.36-39 This possibility should be made available to the applicant by including the appropriate paragraph in the Preliminary Examination report.
5.44
In either case the Formalities Examiner should complete the Preliminary Examination. The case should be diarised for a suitable period and an action logged accordingly and a minute imported into the dossier to the Examiner that this issue is still outstanding and the application may be re-dated.
5.45
Where an application contains a claim to priority under s.5 (2), the Formalities Examiner should consider whether the possibility of re-dating would render such a priority claim invalid. If any priority claim would become invalid as a result of re-dating, the following paragraph should be inserted into the standard paragraph of the Preliminary Examination report:
“It should be noted that the application claims the earlier date of {DATE} under Section 5(2) of the Patents Act 1977. Therefore, the filing of the missing drawing(s) and the consequent re-dating of the application would render the claim to priority invalid.”
5.46
If, in response to the Preliminary Examination Report, the applicant files the omitted drawing(s) and requests that the application is not re-dated the Formalities Examiner should refer the case to the Casework Lead to determine if all the conditions set out in 5.36-39 above have been satisfied. If there is any doubt as to whether all the missing parts are contained in the earlier application the case should be referred to the Patent Examiner for advice. If the provisions of s15(7)(b) outlined previously in 5.36-39 do not apply the application must be re-dated.
5.47
In order to re-date an application, the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Add a minute into the dossier clearly indicating the date to which the application is to be re-dated. Where the application contains a claim to priority that will be rendered invalid by the re-dating action, the minute should also request the cancellation of the priority details.
b) Create a message and send to the Casework Lead.
5.48
The Casework Lead will carry out the following actions:
a) Approve the re-dating, and enhance the F1. The originally filed F1 can then be closed.
b) Create a message for the relevant sections to effect the re-dating (Document Reception for issue of a new filing receipt, Index and Scanning to re-date all documents to the date of filing of the omitted drawings) and if appropriate, place a notice in the Patents Journal to advertise the revised filing date.
5.49
Where an application which requires re-dating spans two calendar years, a more complex procedure is required as a new application number is required. The Casework Lead should liaise with both the Casework Advisor and the Head of the Indexing and Scanning to ensure the correct procedure is carried out.
5.50
When a message is received that the re-dating has been carried out, the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Check the drawing(s) to ensure that they meet the requirements of. r.14 Sch.2, and [PDN 02/15]
b) Advise the applicant, in writing, that the application has been re-dated, and where appropriate, that the claim to priority has been lost;
c) Create a minute advising the Patent Examiner that the application has been re-dated, and where appropriate, that the claim to priority has been lost.
5.51
If the applicant does not respond or in replying elects to have references to the missing drawings withdrawn under s.15 (6)(b), the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Add a Footnote on COPS, indicating the first non-standard text and entering the relevant drawing number(s). Add an action log to show that this has been done.
b) Create a minute advising the Patent Examiner that the references to the missing drawing(s) are to be treated as withdrawn and that the Footnote has been added.
c) Send a message to the appropriate Examining group.
5.52
In s.15 (3A), provision is made for the late filing of previously omitted drawings to be considered as a correction of a clerical error under s.117.
5.53
If a written request is received asking to have late filed drawing(s) considered as a correction under s.117, a message should be sent to the Patent Examiner for consideration of the request.
5.54
If the request is allowed, a message will be sent to the Formalities Examiner, who should carry out the following actions:
a) Check whether the drawings meet the formal requirements of. r.14 Sch.2, and PDN 02/15. Where the drawings are formal, proceed as per 5.05. Where the drawings are informal, proceed as per 5.06-10;
b) If the Examiner has not already done so, advise the applicant, by PROSE letter that the request has been allowed
c) Add Footnote on COPS, using Footnote 6 and add an action accordingly.
5.55
Should the Examiner refuse the request, the dossier should be checked to ascertain which way the applicant wishes to proceed should the request not be allowed and what options (e.g. re-dating) are now available.
5.56
Where the applicant’s intentions if the request is refused are not clear, the Formalities Examiner should carry out the following actions:
a) Contact the applicant by telephone to confirm the Patent Examiner’s decision and discuss any remaining options. The applicant should be asked to file written confirmation, within two weeks, of the way they wish to proceed.
b) Issue a telephone report and import a copy onto the dossier.
c) Set a suitable diary date to monitor the case and add an action accordingly.
d) Close the dossier down to await the written instructions, or the diary date.
e) Follow 5.49-52 for re-dating or treating the drawings as omitted.