References

References for Utility Patent Drawing Standards

Use this chapter as your master reference list for official drawing-standard documents issued by the major patent offices worldwide. These links point directly to the controlling rules, manuals, and guidelines that govern how utility patent drawings must be prepared.

Whenever you are unsure about a detail, always check the original authority for the office where you plan to file.

1. International (PCT / WIPO)

• PCT Rule 11 — Physical Requirements of the International Application
  https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/rules/r11.htm

• PCT Applicant’s Guide — International Phase (Drawings Section)
  https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/guide/index.html

• Receiving Office Guidelines — Chapter VI (Drawings and Formalities)
  https://www.wipo.int/en/web/pct-system/texts/ro/index

2. United States (USPTO)

• 37 CFR § 1.84 — Standards for Drawings
  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-37/chapter-I/part-1/section-1.84

• MPEP § 608.02 — Drawings
  https://mpep.uspto.gov/RDMS/MPEP/e8r9#/e8r9/d0e59484.html

• Design Rules (For Reference Only): 37 CFR § 1.152
  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-37/chapter-I/part-1/section-1.152

3. Europe (EPO)

• EPO Guidelines for Examination — Part A-IX: Drawings
  https://www.epo.org/en/legal/guidelines-epc/2025/a_ix.html

• European Patent Convention (Historical) — Rule 46 (Form of Drawings)
  https://xepc.eu/node/r46

4. Japan (JPO)

• JPO Patent Examination Guidelines
  https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/rule/guideline/patent/index.html

• JPO Guide for Making Applications and Drawings (Design Reference)
  https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/design/application/index.html

5. China (CNIPA)

• Rules for the Implementation of the Patent Law of the PRC
  https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/

• The Informative User Guide for the View and Drawing Requirements of Designs Released https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/7/14/art_1340_200599.html

6. Korea (KIPO)

• KIPO Patent Examination Guidelines
  https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/MainApp

7. United Kingdom (UKIPO)

• UK IPO Formalities Manual — Drawings
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/formalities-manual-online-version

• Patent Factsheet: Drawings (WS0056)
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e738d1be90e073e36942777/WS0056_Patent_Factsheet_Drawings_Jan_2020.pdf

• Patents Rules 2007 — Schedule 2 (Drawings)
  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3291/schedule/2/made

8. Canada (CIPO)

• Manual of Patent Office Practice (MOPOP)
  https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canadian-intellectual-property-office/en/manual-patent-office-practice-mopop

• Patent Act & Patent Rules (Formalities including Drawings)
  https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-4/

9. Australia (IP Australia)

• Patents Formalities Requirements (Drawings & Graphics)
  https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/about-us/~/-/media/Project/IPA/IPAustralia/PDF/IP-Legislation/patents/Patents_formalities_requirements_for_patent_documents_determination_2022.pdf?rev=f3f9f95189fa4e768d8c3615911d9d36

• How to Write a Specification (Includes Drawing Basics)
  https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/how-to-apply-for-a-standard-patent/how-to-write-a-specification-for-my-patent-application

How to Use This Chapter

1. Start with PCT Rule 11 if filing internationally.
2. Confirm national differences using the local office guidelines (USPTO, EPO, JPO, CNIPA, etc.).
3. Never rely solely on summaries—always verify final details with the original rule or manual.
4. Use this chapter as a quick index whenever a drawing question comes up.