Patent Drawing | Best Practices
5 Easy Tips
for Smoother
Drawing Requests
Better Input. Better Results
The way you submit your patent drawing request can make a big difference in how smoothly and quickly your project moves through the illustration process.
To help you get the best results, follow these 5 simple tips and use our downloadable checklist to keep your submission clear, complete, and ready for fast, accurate turnaround.
5 Easy Tips for Submitting Your Patent Drawing Job
TIP #1: Send All Necessary Files in One Email
Starting your project with complete, organized information helps us begin right away, without unnecessary follow-ups or delays. When everything we need arrives together, our illustrators can immediately review your materials, confirm the details, and start production with confidence.
Why it matters:
Keeps your submission consolidated. Fewer back-and-forth follow-ups
Reduces the chance of missing files or delays
Ensures accurate job tracking from the start
Allows our team to begin work immediately
Supports efficient, deadline-driven turnaround
TIP #2: Use a Clear Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing our team sees and it’s what determines how quickly your job gets logged and prioritized. A well-structured subject line saves time, prevents misfiling, and ensures we process your request without delay.
Here is how to format it:
Why it matters:
- Quickly identifies the What, Who & When
Helps our production team prioritize urgent matters correctly
Reduces back-and-forth emails for clarification
Improves internal job tracking and deadline managemen
TIP #3: One Job Per Email
(Including Edits!)
It might seem simpler to send multiple requests in one email, but grouping jobs together actually slows everything down. Each job deserves its own dedicated thread so it can be tracked, managed, and billed accurately.
Why it matters:
Prevents misfiling or confusion between jobs
Keeps tracking and communication clean
Speeds up confirmation and scheduling
Reduces risk, especially when deadlines are tight
TIP #4: Provide Concise Instructions
One of the most overlooked but critical parts of submitting a drawing request is the quality of the notes you provide. When instructions are vague or overly long, it increases the chance for misinterpretation, rework, and back-and-forth resulting in unnecessary delays for everyone involved.
Be descriptive, but concise. Think of your instructions as a communication bridge between your intent and our execution. Your goal isn’t to rewrite the spec, but to call out key points we need to focus on:
What’s essential to show clearly
Which parts should be dashed, deleted, or de-emphasized (especially in design patent cases)
Any special requirements, like exploded views or, perspective angles
Why it matters:
Begin drafting immediately with full context
Avoid unnecessary clarification emails
Reduce the chance of misinterpreting your intent
Deliver a more accurate first draft and faster!
TIP #5: Filing Internationally?
Let Us Know the Countries
Each country has its own set of rules when it comes to patent drawings and they’re not interchangeable.
EXTRA BONUS TIP #6: Provide the NVG Job #
When referencing existing drawings for a new project, always include the original NVG Job # in your request. That small detail makes a big difference.
The job number acts as a direct link to your previous files, specs, and version history. It helps us locate your source materials faster, verify which figures or sheets you’re building upon, and ensure your new drawings maintain consistency with prior filings.
Why it matters:
Ensures we’re referencing the exact prior drawings you want
Prevents confusion or mix-ups between versions, figures, or prior filings
Saves time by letting us instantly locate files
Keeps your drawings consistent and compliant across multiple filings
- Maintains a clear project history that supports accurate recordkeeping and continuity for future updates
Must-Have
Checklist for Submitting Patent Drawing Requests
Want faster turnaround times and fewer revision cycles?
It all starts with how you submit your job request.
Our free, easy-to-follow checklist outlines the key steps for setting up your request the right way.
Whether you’re a seasoned patent attorney or submitting a drawing job for the first time, this checklist will help you avoid the most common delays and get your drawings moving faster.
Download Checklist
