FYI – Patent Drawings Blog

Are Quality Patent Illustrations Worth the Investment?

Why your choice of draftsman matters

High-quality patent illustrations are crucial for clarity and compliance in applications. While it might be tempting, cutting costs on drawings can lead to expensive objections. This article explores the value of investing in expert patent illustrators and offers guidance on selecting the right service.

patent drawing sample of scooter from aerial perspective view

Patent illustrators are skilled draftsmen, usually working at a specialized graphics firm, an in-house team at a law firm, or working individually as freelancers. While freelance patent illustrators might offer what seems like a more personalized service, larger graphics firms specializing in patent drawings can offer the expertise of multiple draftsmen with knowledge spanning different industries. This comes in handy for patent attorneys looking to file patent applications across varying classes or categories of industry. However, larger is not always better when it comes to choosing a patent drawing company or firm for high quality patent drawings.

The cost of patent illustrations depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the drawings, the number of figures to be drawn, the type of patent application (utility or design), and the quality of reference materials provided, all of which have an effect on the time it takes for the set of patent drawings to be completed. The best way to know how much your patent drawing job will cost is to contact a patent drawing provider to inquire about an estimate. Northern Virginia Graphics, Inc. offers free estimates on drawing jobs and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure the protection of any reference material.

What is the risk of cutting costs on drawings?

Whether it’s in the drawings or another part of the application, the cost of cutting costs when filing a patent application is often the same: an even higher cost. Patent examiners are given strict and specific rules to enforce when reviewing the drawings in a patent application, and these guidelines, if not followed carefully and properly, can result in objections. In the United States, an objection to a patent application comes in the form of an Office Action. On top of the fees required by the USPTO to search for prior art, file an application, review that application, etc, filing responses to office actions can add upwards of $1,000-$2,000 to your total cost. Additionally, patent drawings are such a substantial part of a design patent application that the invention’s representation through the patent drawings themselves can determine the design patent application’s fate.

When You Invest In Quality, You Receive

Expert

Opinion

Paying for high quality patent drawings usually means paying for specialized expertise in various categories of invention and design. Experts add to your application by offering tailored drawing recommendations and catching potential niche errors, making the examination process go more smoothly.

Pristine

Execution

If patent drawings are being offered at a price that looks too good to be true, unfortunately, they probably are. Clean, visually stunning drawings require precious technique. When future edits, additional figures, and new views are inevitable, it's key that the first set of drawings are clean as can be so revisions take just a fraction of time spent.

Ease of

Communication

Thanks to modern technology its possible to outsource all kinds of work to different parts of the world, often leading to lower prices. While it is tempting, outsourcing comes at a cost. Patent drawings that require tight turnarounds are best in the hands of an illustrator in the same or an adjacent timezone. Language can also be a barrier, especially if relying on handwritten edits.

Does quality still matter if I’m just filing a provisional application?

While provisional applications can be informal, they still have the same drawing requirements as non-provisional applications. So yes, we absolutely advise opting for high quality patent illustrations in provisional applications because they remain a key component of the application and lessen the likelihood of future objection. Additionally, submitting high quality, professional patent drawings at the beginning of your correspondence with the USPTO, or any other jurisdiction, can help your case in the event that your provisional application is revisited.

What to consider when choosing a patent illustrator or patent drawings firm:

Size

We recommend finding the middle ground between individual freelancers and large companies: a smaller or medium-sized patent drawing firm can offer the benefits of a personalized experience while also granting access to a network of specialized knowledge held by multiple patent drafters.

Location

Working with a U.S.-based patent illustrator ensures better compliance, security, and communication. Local illustrators stay updated on USPTO requirements, reducing the risk of office actions. They also offer stronger confidentiality protections than overseas providers, safeguarding your intellectual property with reliable security measures and industry best practices.

Offerings

Some services may offer craftsmanship and suitable technical drawing skills but may not have the problem-solving expertise required for more sensitive cases. We recommend finding an illustrator or patent drawing firm that offers extra patent related services such as drawing consultation in addition to their illustration. We also suggest remaining wary of services that make larger than life claims, their offerings are likely too good to be true.