MPEP Section 1825, The Drawings

Executive summary:

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1825 The Drawings

PCT ARTICLE 7
The Drawings

(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2)(ii), drawings shall be required when they are necessary for the understanding of the invention.

(2) Where, without being necessary for the understanding of the invention, the nature of the invention admits of illustration by drawings:

(i) the applicant may include such drawings in the international application when filed.

(ii) any designated Office may require that the applicant file such drawings with it within the prescribed time limit.

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PCT RULE 7
The Drawings

PCT RULE 7.1.
Flow Sheets and Diagrams

Flow sheets and diagrams are considered drawings.

PCT RULE 7.2.
Time Limit

The time limit referred to in Article 7(2)(ii) shall be reasonable under the circumstances of the case and shall, in no case, be shorter than two months from the date of the written invitation requiring the filing of drawings or additional drawings under the said provision.

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PCT RULE 11
Physical Requirements of the International Application

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PCT RULE 11.5.
Size of Sheets

The size of the sheets shall be A4 (29.7 cm x 21 cm). However, any receiving Office may accept international applications on sheets of other sizes provided that the record copy, as transmitted to the International Bureau, and, if the competent International Searching Authority so desires, the search copy, shall be of A4 size.

PCT RULE 11.6.
Margins

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(c) On sheets containing drawings, the surface usable shall not exceed 26.2 cm x 17.0 cm. The sheets shall not contain frames around the usable or used surface. The minimum margins shall be as follows:

- top: 2.5 cm

- left side: 2.5 cm

- right side: 1.5 cm

- bottom: 1.0 cm