If the language is not in the specification, a proposed amendment to insert the language must accompany the petition.
(b) Photographs.
(1) Black and white. Photographs are not ordinarily permitted in utility and design patent applications. However, the Office will accept photographs in utility and design patent applications only after granting a petition filed under this paragraph which requests that photographs be accepted. Any such petition must include the following:
(i) The appropriate fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(h); and
(ii) Three (3) sets of photographs.
Photographs must either be developed on double weight photographic paper or be permanently mounted on Bristol board. The photographs must be of sufficient quality so that all details in the drawing are reproducible in the printed patent.
(2) Color. Color photographs will be accepted in utility patent applications if the conditions for accepting color drawings have been satisfied. See paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(c) Identification of drawings. Identifying indicia, if provided, should include the application number or the title of the invention, inventor’s name, docket number (if any), and the name and telephone number of a person to call if the Office is unable to match the drawings to the proper application. This information should be placed on the back of each sheet of drawings a minimum distance of 1.5 cm. (⅝ inch) down from the top of the page. In addition, a reference to the application number, or, if an application number has not been assigned, the inventor’s name, may be included in the left-hand corner provided that the reference appears within 1.5 cm. (9
16 inch) from the top of the sheet.
(d) Graphic forms in drawings. Chemical or mathematical formulae, tables, and waveforms may be submitted as drawings and are subject to the same requirements as drawings. Each chemical or mathematical formula must be labeled as a separate figure, using brackets when necessary, to show that information is properly integrated. Each group of waveforms must be presented as a single figure, using a common vertical axis with time extending along the horizontal axis. Each individual waveform discussed in the specification must be identified with a separate letter designation adjacent to the vertical axis.
(e) Type of paper. Drawings submitted to the Office must be made on paper which is flexible, strong, white, smooth, non-shiny, and durable. All sheets must be free from cracks, creases, and folds. Only one side of the sheet shall be used for the drawing. Each sheet must be reasonably free from erasures and must be free from alterations, overwritings, and interlineations. Photographs must either be developed on double weight photographic paper or be permanently mounted on Bristol board. See paragraph (b) of this section for other requirements for photographs.