Patent Illustration is a set of representation showing the details and specifications of the invention in the form of patent drawings. They are the visual form of patent description which provides a way to understand the invention details. One needs to make sure that the patent illustrations are in compliance with the USPTO rules. The patent illustration must include embodiments, stages, and flowchart for good visual representation. Simple, clear and precise images also help judges to interpret the description quickly in case of patent infringement. Quality patent illustration explains the invention more easily than the reams of description. Accurate and clear drawings strengthen the patent application which helps the overloaded patent examiner understand the invention quickly. Moreover, quality drawings that make the patent understandable reduce the chance of patent infringement in the future. This is because it acts as an educator between the patent applicant and the examiner.
Tips and Tricks to Create Quality Patent Illustration:
One should not underestimate the inclusion of the quality patent illustration in their patent application. The quality illustration can also work to the advantage of the patent holder for settling damages in his application. This is because one can settle the infringement case within one year by showing the invention details in the illustrations. Some of the ways to create quality illustrations are:
1. Multiple Illustrations:
To properly accomplish the goal of having the best disclosure possible, one should not think in terms of single illustration in the patent. The patent application should have at least several sheets of drawings with each sheet having multiple views of the invention. The benefit of multiple illustrations is that it completely covers all the permutation of the invention.
Related article: Patent Illustration Importance From Multiple Perspectives
2. USPTO Guidelines:
Enforcing USPTO’s comprehensive rules regarding patent illustration will remove many errors before applying. The USPTO instructs the users to use a certain form of papers and ink in the patent application. It also specifies the margins of specific lengths in the sheet of illustration. There are certain guidelines that you need to follow:
- One should use black ink on white paper.
- The USPTO only allows color when necessary in the illustration. One needs to submit a separate petition to the USPTO for the use of color in the illustration.
- The paper must be white, flexible and strong. The USPTO allows only one-sided writing on the paper.
- The paper size must be either 21 cm by 29.7 cm or 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm.
- A top margin of 2.5 cm, left a margin of 2.5 cm and the right side margin of 1.5 cm is mandatory. The bottom side margin must be of 1.0 cm.
- The illustration should be drawn on a non-crowded scale at 2/3 size. Indications like full scale or “1/2 scale” are not acceptable.
- Numbers are preferable to letters as reference characters in a drawing. If one follows these rules properly it becomes easy for the applicant to pass his patent application.
Related article: Why you should not avoid accurate patent illustrations?
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3. Parts of Patent illustration:
There are certain parts that you can insert in your patent illustration. These parts of the illustration increase the quality of the overall patent application. They are as follows:
- Black and White drawings:
This is the traditional way of making patent drawings with pen and ruler. It requires knowledge of basic drawing techniques. Here, the perspective is necessary to show all the features of the invention.
- Colored drawings:
For this part, you need to demonstrate the importance of colored drawing in your application. You need to submit a request to the USPTO to allow for using it.
- Photographs:
Photographs show the invention more clearly. The acceptance of a photograph only takes place when it helps to show the invention in a more descriptive manner. It is rare to use black and white photos.
- CAD Software:
It is computer software which is great for the production of modern computer drawings and it is easy to use. In short, it creates sharp 3D drawings that help to describe and break down the physical characteristics of the invention
4. Clear and accurate illustrations:
It is important for one to include clear and accurate illustrations in a patent application. Simply, a clear and precise image gives you priority in cases of IP litigation. In chances of negotiation and settlement, a well-defined patent application always favors you for the best talk. Even any third party will think twice while copying an idea from an unambiguous and well-defined patent application.
5.Computer vs. hand-drawn figures:
It is not the quality of the equipment but the skill of the draftsperson that is important. One of the most cost-effective processes is to make drawings from CAD files. Furthermore, creating drawings in CAD has its own advantages as archiving electronic data helps to simplify the subsequent amendments of drawings. On the other hand, manual illustrations are also of equal importance as the illustrations made by the software. One can easily see all the shapes, sizes and angles on one sheet with a clear vision in manual illustrations. Also, it is easier to bring the creative style and expression and a degree of depth to the illustration.
6. Detailed Illustration:
Detailed illustrations are indeed worth a minimum of one thousand words if not more. If you accidentally leave something out of the written disclosure, the illustration you submit may save you in the long run. This is provided if the drawing entails more details and you want to convey even the slightest of information about your invention. The detailed illustration can also cover different angles of the invention for using it in the future for a different purpose.
7. Good Illustrator:
Generating good drawings require technical skill and creativity. For this purpose, hiring a good illustrator becomes an essential step. A draftsperson’s experience, the body of work, professional references and use of technology are good indicators of his competence and skills. Also, a good draftsperson who boasts experience under the supervision of senior professionals will provide you with a broad skill set. He knows when to use black and white drawings and when to use colored ones. A good draftsperson has the ability to create quality illustrations by using his expertise in patent illustrations.
Looking for quality Patent Illustration? – Patent Illustration Express
Patent Illustrations play a vital role in a patent application for displaying of the invention. If you are looking for any assistance regarding patent illustrations, Patent Illustration Express (PIE) will guide you with the illustration process. PIE is a team of professional patent illustrators, who boast years of experience in creating illustrations. We provide our clients with super-fast delivery of the illustration services. Our team creates illustrations that have 100% compliance with the USPTO regulations. PIE provides flexible output formats for our clients with a full satisfaction guarantee. Also, we make sure to cover a descriptive invention of our clients through illustrations. For more information, Visit Patent Illustration Express.
