Book Review: Patent Drawing Rules

Patent Drawing Rules, by Murray H. Henderson, is not, as is trendy, a therapy colouring book for IP professionals. Instead, it is a guide to the multitude of USPTO and WIPO rules associated with drawings, photographs and reproductions in patent applications. Updated from the first edition to include requirements from the America Invents Act and the Hague Agreement Concerning International Registration of Industrial Designs, the book is a desk reference manual covering all the steps related to creating and submitting patent drawings.

Feeling creative, I decided that this was the opportunity I had been waiting for to start on my patent application for a cheese-cat hybrid. (I am assured that it is both ethical and patentable.) Following the author's guidance, I began an informal drawing for my provisional application. I drew my patent drawing in ink and then scanned it. Likewise, carefully following the book's instructions, I named my file the lyrical DRW-1-7-Doc-235-2017.pdf as I really felt that, as a caption, it embodied the essence of my artistic vision and met the USPTO rules. Using Henderson's detailed instructions, I adjusted my scanned version to the appropriate resolution and file size.

I have included the results here, and invite readers to make suggestions as to how they might be adjusted to improve my patent application. I'm worried that my stippling looks a bit like measles. I also got rather distracted, on a Friday summer's afternoon, while drawing the side view and accidentally drew a fantasy phantom lined glass of wine.

Katonomist humour aside, clearly adhering to the rules and creating drawings that accurately describe the IP and illustrate patent claims is very important. IPKat readers will be well aware of the risks associated with poor drawings (Apple learned the lesson the hard way, covered here and here).  Henderson takes the reader through the necessary steps of preparing drawings, and provides all sorts of references, visual examples and guides.

Front View, Rear View and Side View

CheeseCat, Artwork by Nicola Searle, patent pending

Amazingly, for what is a manual for technical drawings, the book is downright friendly. Author Henderson, who dedicates the book to his son, has interspersed the text with extra tips and comments based on his extensive experience. Henderson's personal touches and commentary convey a sense of enthusiasm for what could otherwise be a very dry topic.

Patent Drawing Rules is a bit of a niche text, and, as the author notes, the USTPO and WIPO rules will likely have changed already. To address this, Henderson has pointed to relevant internet sources where readers can find the most updated rules. I imagine the book will be a useful reference for illustrators and readers of patents looking to decode drawings (see page 224 for how to draw hemp.)

Patent Drawing Rules, by Murray H. Henderson, edited by Meredith C. Prock, (2016), Studio 94 Publishing, ISBN: 0982827024 is available on Amazon for USD$24 or GBP £30.