Patent drawings play an important and crucial role in patent application process. They help us to visualize the invention, product equipment etc., which helps the examiners as well as layman to understand its structure, elements, components and their function. In addition to that, we can classify the patent drawings in to two categories i.e. formal and informal drawings. Understanding the differences between formal and informal drawings can help inventors to choose and understands which suits his/her requirements. In a professional way, there are two types of patent drawings, utility patent drawings and design drawings.

1. What are Formal and Informal Patent Drawings?

1.1 Formal Patent Drawings:

Formal patent drawings are professional, technically correct, precise and accurate drawings that always meet the requirements as well as guidelines of patent office’s such as United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), European Patent Office (EPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), etc. formal patent drawings are always required to submit with full patent applications and they must follow the set of specific rules i.e. durable black line quality, shading, Figure number labelling and element reference numbers, formatting of the figures, Sheet numbers, margins, etc.

1.2 Informal Patent Drawings:

Informal patent drawings, are rough and hand drawn sketches (based on thought prepared by inventors) which represent the early-stage (to give basic idea of the invention/product to draft person) of an invention. It is not necessary to follow the guidelines prescribed by the patent offices. Informal drawings are typically used in provisional applications to show the basic idea of inventions/product.

Formal Patent Drawings Informal Patent Drawings

2. Differences Between Formal and Informal Drawings:

2.1 Rules and Regulations:

Formal Drawings: Must be drafted using the professional tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Visio etc) and follow the guidelines to fulfill the requirements of the respective patent office.
Informal Drawings: These can be hand-drawn or created using simple tools and do not need to follow any specific rule and guidelines.

2.2 Purpose and Usage:

Formal Drawings: Formal patent drawings are must for non-provisional patent applications. In formal patent drawings, there should be multiple figures to show the details of the invention/product. These detailed and professional illustrations give the examiner a clear picture of the invention and product which helps him to understand how the invention works and why it is unique.
Informal Drawings: Informal drawings are fine for provisional application however, if inventor wants to move forward with a non-provisional application, then the inventor need to submit formalize drawings to meet patent office standards.

2.3 Cost and Preparation:

Formal Drawings: These are created by professional patent illustrators, and costs always depend on complexity of the figures. Also, in some cases, there are lot of common figures, in those cases, we can comprise the costs on the basis of efforts involved.
Informal Drawings: Informal drawings can be made by the inventor without any additional cost using basic sketches (idea of the invention/product) or free online tools to submit with figures along with the application.

2.4 Acceptance by Patent Offices:

Formal Drawings: In both the cases Utility and Design patent drawings, drawings should follow the guidelines of PTOs as well as figures must be consistent and reproducible. They should be clear and accurate to understand the invention clearly.
Informal Drawings: Informal drawings are only acceptable in provisional applications. They can be hand sketches without any specific guidelines.

Differences Between Formal and Informal Drawings

3. Which One Do You Need?

If you're at the early stage of your patent journey and only want to secure a filing date with a provisional patent application, informal drawings (i.e. hand sketches) may be sufficient to submit with your application in patent office. However, if you are moving forward with a non-provisional patent application or a design patent, then patent office would require accurate formal drawings along with your application.

Conclusion:

Both formal and informal patent drawings play their respective role in the patenting process. Informal drawings are useful in the early stages, while formal drawings are required for securing a patent. By understanding the differences, inventors can make their decisions about how and when to use each type of drawing.

About PatDraw:

With over two decades of experience, the PatDraw team has completed thousands of utility and design drawings for a wide range of clients worldwide.

Our three main objectives are to serve you with professionalism, friendliness, and speed. We understand that every project has a deadline, and we work hard to meet or beat our clients' expectations by completing the drawings far ahead of schedule.