Intellectual Property Drawing Services
Patent Drawings & Patent Illustrations
Los Angeles, California
SNS Patent Drafting · Orange County & Los Angeles, California
Professional Design Patent Drawings — USPTO Compliant & Examination-Ready
Your design patent drawings are the entire legal disclosure of your design claim. One missing view, improper shading, or incorrect broken line usage can result in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112 — or permanently narrow the scope of your protection. SNS Patent Drafting prepares precise, examiner-ready design patent illustrations that meet every requirement of 37 CFR § 1.152 and MPEP § 1503.02. Serving inventors, product designers, and IP law firms throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and all of Southern California.
✓ 37 CFR § 1.152 & MPEP § 1503.02 Compliant
✓ All 7+ Required Views Prepared
✓ Surface Shading & Stippling Specialists
✓ Unlimited Revisions
300+
PATENTS DRAFTED & FILED
3-5 Days
RUSH TURNAROUND AVAILABLE
100%
USPTO COMPLIANCE RATE
50+
STATES & COUNTRIES SERVED
What Are Design Patent Drawings?
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of an article of manufacture — the way it looks, not the way it works. Under 35 U.S.C. § 171, a design patent is granted to any person who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture. And unlike a utility patent, where written claims define the scope of protection, a design patent's entire legal scope is defined exclusively by its drawings.
This makes design patent drawings the most critical element of any design patent application. According to MPEP § 1503.02, the drawing disclosure is "the most important element of the application" and "it is of utmost importance that the drawing or photograph be clear and complete, and that nothing regarding the design sought to be patented is left to conjecture." Every line, every surface, every view — and crucially, every broken line — directly determines what is and is not protected by your patent.
Design patent drawings differ fundamentally from utility patent drawings in their purpose, rules, and execution. They must show the complete ornamental appearance of the article from every visible angle, rendered in precise black-and-white line art with mandatory surface shading and stippling that accurately reflects the character and contour of every surface. Missing a required view, omitting proper shading, or misusing broken lines are not minor errors — they are grounds for rejection or, worse, for a narrowed scope of protection that leaves your design vulnerable to copying.
At SNS Patent Drafting, we specialize in design patent illustration. Every drawing we produce is prepared to the full requirements of 37 CFR § 1.84, 37 CFR § 1.152, and MPEP § 1503.02 — the three governing standards for design patent drawings in the United States.
The Legal Standard: Under MPEP § 1503.02, design patent drawings must constitute "a complete disclosure of the appearance of the design." The drawing is the claim. There is no written description of the design — only the illustration defines what is protected.
Why Professional Design Patent Drawings Matter
Because the drawings ARE the patent, there is no room for error in design patent illustration. The USPTO enforces strict technical requirements for every aspect of a design patent drawing. Errors made at filing cannot always be corrected after the fact — adding missing shading or views post-filing may constitute "new matter" under 35 U.S.C. § 132(a) and cannot be permitted.
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The drawings define your entire scope of protection. A design patent has only one claim: "The ornamental design for [article] as shown." Every element shown in solid lines is claimed. Elements shown in broken lines are disclaimed. A drawing that shows too much — or too little — directly limits what competitors can be stopped from copying.
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Missing surface shading can result in rejection. Under MPEP § 1503.02, appropriate and adequate surface shading is necessary to show the character and contour of all surfaces. Lack of proper shading at the time of filing may result in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112 for lack of enablement — and that rejection may be impossible to overcome without new matter.
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Incorrect broken line usage changes what is claimed. In design patents, broken lines are used to show environmental structure that forms no part of the claimed design. Using broken lines incorrectly can create ambiguity about the scope of the claim that damages enforceability.
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All seven required views must be present and consistent. MPEP § 1503.02 requires a sufficient number of views to constitute a complete disclosure. Inconsistencies between views — even minor asymmetries — can result in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112.
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Professional drawings protect your investment. Drawings prepared by non-patent illustrators or general graphic designers frequently do not meet USPTO formal requirements, resulting in office actions, delays of six months to a year or more, and in some cases final rejection. SNS Patent Drafting's drawings are prepared specifically for USPTO examination.
Required Views for Design Patent Drawings
The USPTO requires a sufficient number of views to constitute a complete disclosure of the ornamental appearance of the design. For most three-dimensional articles, this means a minimum of seven standard views — each shown head-on, not from an angle. SNS Patent Drafting prepares all required and supplemental views for every design patent application.
Perspective View (FIG. 1)
A three-dimensional view showing the overall appearance and spatial relationships of the design. Provides the examiner and the public with an intuitive understanding of the complete design as it appears in real life.
Front View (FIG. 2)
The primary face of the article, shown straight-on. Typically the most important view and must clearly show the ornamental features of the design. Often selected for publication on the face of the patent.
Rear View
(FIG. 3)
The back of the article, shown directly head-on. Required to disclose the complete ornamental appearance. May be omitted only if the specification confirms the rear is identical or a mirror image of the front.
Left Side View (FIG. 4)
The left side of the article, shown directly head-on. Required for all three-dimensional designs. May be omitted if the left side is a mirror image of the right side, with an appropriate specification statement.
Right Side View (FIG. 5)
The right side of the article, shown directly head-on. Must show all visible surface ornamentation and contours on the right face of the design.
Top View
(FIG. 6)
The top of the article, shown directly from above. Required to disclose any ornamentation or surface features on the top face. May be omitted if the top is flat and devoid of surface ornamentation with an appropriate statement.
Bottom View (FIG. 7)
The bottom of the article, shown directly from below. May be omitted if the bottom is flat with no surface ornamentation, provided the specification includes a statement to that effect.
Supplemental & Special Views
Sectional views may be included to show the external contour of the design — but not internal construction. Additional perspective views, enlarged detail views, and alternate embodiment figures may also be included.
SNS Patent Drafting reviews every design to determine exactly which views are required for a complete and compliant disclosure — and which may be legitimately omitted to streamline the application. See the USPTO Design Patent Application Guide for official guidance.
USPTO Design Patent Drawing Rules — 37 CFR § 1.152 & MPEP § 1503.02
Design patent drawings are subject to two overlapping sets of requirements: the general drawing standards of 37 CFR § 1.84 and the design-specific requirements of 37 CFR § 1.152 and MPEP § 1503.02. SNS Patent Drafting ensures compliance with every applicable requirement on every design patent drawing we produce.
Paper, Sheet Size & Margins
Drawing sheets must be either 8.5 × 11 inches or A4 (21.0 cm × 29.7 cm), white, smooth, non-shiny, and durable. Required minimum margins are: top 1 inch, left side 1 inch, right side 5/8 inch, bottom 3/8 inch. All figures must fit within the usable surface defined by these margins.
Surface Shading — Mandatory in Most Cases
Surface shading is one of the most critical and most frequently objected-to elements of design patent drawings. Appropriate and adequate surface shading must be used to show the character and contour of all surfaces included in the claimed design.
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Straight-line shading indicates flat surfaces
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Curved-line shading indicates curved or contoured surfaces
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Stippling (dots) is used for curved or rounded surfaces
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Solid black shading is NOT permitted except to represent the color black or color contrast
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Oblique line shading must be used for transparent, translucent, highly polished, or reflective surfaces such as glass or mirrors
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Contrast between different materials may be shown by using line shading in one area and stippling in another
Critical Warning: Lack of appropriate surface shading in the drawings as filed may result in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) for lack of enablement. Adding surface shading after the filing date may be treated as new matter under 35 U.S.C. § 132(a) and cannot be permitted. This must be done right at the time of filing. See MPEP § 1503.02.
Broken Lines — Claiming and Disclaiming
Broken lines serve a fundamentally different purpose in design patents than in utility patents:
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Full solid lines show the claimed design — every element in solid lines is legally protected
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Broken lines show environmental structure or context that forms no part of the claimed design
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Broken lines may NOT be used to show hidden planes or surfaces that cannot be seen through opaque materials
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Alternate positions of a design component shown by full and broken lines in the same view are NOT permitted
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Every use of broken lines must be explained in the specification
Strategic Use of Broken Lines: Choosing what to show in broken lines versus solid lines is one of the most important strategic decisions in design patent prosecution. More broken lines = broader claim scope, but requires careful drafting. SNS Patent Drafting works with your patent attorney to ensure broken line usage supports your IP strategy.
Color Drawings & Photographs
Color drawings are permitted in design patent applications without a petition. However, if color drawings are filed with the original application, color will be considered an integral part of the claimed design — which may limit enforcement against products in different colors. Most practitioners recommend black-and-white line drawings unless color is essential to the design.
Photographs may be used in lieu of ink drawings but cannot be combined with black-and-white line drawings in the same application. Photographs must not show any environmental structure — only the claimed design.
SNS Patent Drafting Compliance Guarantee: Every design patent drawing we produce is reviewed against the full requirements of 37 CFR § 1.84, 37 CFR § 1.152, and MPEP § 1503.02 before delivery. Our drawings are prepared to pass USPTO examination without formal drawing objections.
Common Design Patent Drawing Objections — And How We Prevent Them
Design patent drawing objections are more common — and more consequential — than those in utility patent applications, because the drawings constitute the entire legal disclosure. At SNS Patent Drafting, our quality review process is specifically designed to catch every one of these issues before your application is filed.
Rejection Reason | How SNS Prevents It |
|---|---|
Environmental structure shown in solid lines — context elements that should be disclaimed shown as solid lines, claiming more than intended. | All environmental and contextual elements are shown in broken lines only, with appropriate specification language confirming they form no part of the claimed design. |
Missing figure descriptions — the specification does not contain a description identifying each figure by name and view type. | We provide a complete set of figure descriptions for every view, ready for your attorney to incorporate directly into the specification. |
Views shown from an angle rather than head-on — orthographic views must be straight-on, not from a perspective angle. | All orthographic views are drawn head-on. Only the designated perspective figure uses a three-dimensional angle. |
Solid black shading used improperly — solid black used for general shading rather than to represent the color black or color contrast, which is prohibited. | Our illustrators are trained in USPTO design patent shading conventions. Solid black is never used for general shading in our drawings. |
Insufficient number of views — not enough views to fully disclose the complete ornamental appearance from all visible angles. | We review the design and confirm all required views before drafting begins. Every visible surface is accounted for in the final drawing set. |
Improper use of broken lines — used to show hidden internal structure (not permitted), or without a corresponding explanation in the specification. | Broken lines are used strictly per MPEP § 1503.02 conventions, always accompanied by the required specification statement. |
Inconsistency between views — a feature shown in one figure does not match how it appears in another, creating a § 112 rejection for indefiniteness. | All views are prepared from the same master reference and cross-checked against each other for dimensional and geometric consistency before delivery. |
Missing or inadequate surface shading — the character and contour of surfaces is not clearly shown, resulting in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) for lack of enablement. | Every surface in every view is shaded using the correct technique — straight-line for flat, curved-line or stippling for contoured — per MPEP § 1503.02. |
Design Patent Drawings for International Filings — Hague System & National Offices
For product designers and companies seeking design protection in multiple countries, the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs — administered by WIPO — provides a centralized filing pathway. SNS Patent Drafting prepares design patent drawings suitable for both U.S. USPTO filings and international design applications filed through the Hague System.
Key Differences: U.S. Design Patents vs. International Design Registrations
Element | USPTO Filing | Hague / International Filing |
|---|---|---|
Color | Permitted; becomes part of claimed design | Generally accepted internationally |
Number of views | 7 standard views minimum | Views sufficient to fully disclose the design |
Surface shading | Mandatory for 3D designs | Requirements vary by country |
Broken lines | Permitted to disclaim environmental structure | Many foreign offices do not permit broken lines |
Drawing format | Black-and-white line art preferred | Color photographs widely accepted |
Governing authority | USPTO | WIPO Hague System |
Important Note on Broken Lines: Many foreign patent offices do not recognize broken lines. Features shown in broken lines in your U.S. application may need to be shown in full solid lines in foreign counterpart applications. SNS Patent Drafting flags these issues and prepares alternate drawing sets for international filings where needed. See the WIPO Hague System for international design registration details.
Design Patent Drawings vs. Utility Patent Drawings — Key Differences
Design patents and utility patents protect fundamentally different things, and their drawings reflect that difference in every aspect of execution. Understanding the distinction is essential for inventors and attorneys deciding which type of protection — or combination of both — is right for an invention.
Element | Design Patent Drawings | Utility Patent Drawings |
|---|---|---|
What is protected | Ornamental appearance — how the article looks | Structure and function — how the invention works |
Legal basis | 35 U.S.C. § 171 | 35 U.S.C. § 101 |
Governing drawing rules | 37 CFR § 1.152 & MPEP § 1503.02 | 37 CFR § 1.84 & MPEP § 608.02 |
The drawings define | The entire scope of the patent claim | The invention as described in written claims |
Number of claims | Only one claim permitted | Multiple claims permitted |
Surface shading | Mandatory — must show contour of all surfaces | Permitted but not always required |
Broken lines | Used to disclaim environmental structure | Used to show hidden features or unclaimed elements |
Reference numerals | Not required (no written claims to support) | Required for every claimed element |
Typical number of views | 7 standard views (minimum) | As many views as necessary to support claims |
Color drawings | Permitted; color becomes part of claimed design | Permitted only by petition; rare |
SNS Patent Drafting prepares both design and utility patent drawings. If your invention has both ornamental and functional aspects worth protecting, we can prepare coordinated drawing sets for both applications simultaneously — maximizing your IP protection with a single illustration engagement.
Design Patent Drawing Services — Orange County, Los Angeles & Southern California
SNS Patent Drafting serves product designers, inventors, and IP law firms throughout Southern California with professional, USPTO-compliant design patent drawings. From consumer product startups in Irvine to fashion and apparel designers in Los Angeles, from electronics companies in the South Bay to medical device manufacturers in Orange County — we understand the design industries that drive Southern California's innovation economy.
We work directly with designers and patent attorneys throughout:
Irvine · Santa Ana · Anaheim · Newport Beach · Costa Mesa · Fullerton · Garden Grove · Tustin · Orange · Los Angeles · Long Beach · Pasadena · Torrance · El Segundo · Burbank · Glendale · Santa Monica · Culver City · Manhattan Beach · Riverside · San Bernardino · Ontario · Rancho Cucamonga · San Diego · Carlsbad
Southern California is home to some of the most design-intensive industries in the United States — consumer electronics in the South Bay, fashion and apparel in Los Angeles, furniture and home goods in Orange County, medical device and wearable technology in Irvine and San Diego, and automotive design studios throughout the region.
Our services are available nationwide and internationally. All work is conducted and delivered securely online.
Who We Serve
Design patent drawings require a specific combination of artistic skill and legal technical knowledge that most general illustrators do not possess. SNS Patent Drafting works exclusively with clients who need drawings prepared to USPTO standards.
Product Designers & Inventors
You have created something that looks unlike anything else on the market. SNS Patent Drafting translates your product into a complete, USPTO-compliant design patent drawing set that protects its ornamental appearance and maximizes your scope of protection.
Fashion & Apparel Designers
Surface ornamentation, textile patterns, garment configurations, and accessory designs are all protectable by design patent. SNS Patent Drafting has experience with the specific drawing requirements for fashion and apparel design patent applications.
Patent Attorneys & IP Law Firms
Your design patent clients need drawings that pass formal examination without objection — the first time. We serve as a dedicated patent illustration partner to IP law firms throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and nationwide.
Technology & Electronics Companies
Graphical user interfaces, icons, screen displays, and the ornamental configuration of hardware are all protectable by design patent — including under the USPTO's updated 2024 guidance on computer-generated interfaces.
Consumer Product Companies
From packaging and product form to user interface and surface ornamentation, your product line generates valuable design IP with every new release. SNS Patent Drafting provides fast, professional drawings that keep pace with your product development cycle.
Medical Device
& Industrial Design Firms
Complex three-dimensional forms, ergonomic contours, and precision-manufactured components require the most technically demanding design patent drawings. We have experience with the exacting illustration standards for medical device and industrial design applications.
How It Works — Our 6 Step Design Patent Drawing Process
Getting professional design patent drawings from SNS Patent Drafting is a straightforward, collaborative process. We work closely with both inventors and patent attorneys to ensure the final drawings reflect the correct scope of the claimed design and meet every USPTO formal requirement.
Step # | Step Name | Step Description |
|---|---|---|
01 | Create & Invent | Every great patent starts with an idea. Whether you have a rough sketch, a detailed CAD file, or just a concept in your head, this is where the process begins. Capture your invention in whatever form |
03 | Free Consultation & Scope Review | We review your design and confirm which views are required, how broken lines should be used to maximize your claim scope, and whether your design requires any special handling (color, photographs, computer-generated interface guidance). We provide a clear quote and timeline before work begins. |
02 | Submit Your Design Reference Materials | Send us photographs of your product from all angles, CAD files, 3D renderings, physical product samples, or sketches — we work from whatever you have. All submissions are treated as strictly confidential. We are happy to sign an NDA before any materials are shared. |
04 | Professional Illustration Begins | Our illustrators prepare your design patent drawings using professional CAD software and technical illustration tools, following the exact specifications of 37 CFR § 1.84, 37 CFR § 1.152, and MPEP § 1503.02. Surface shading, stippling, and broken line usage are applied with precision. |
05 | Your Review & Revisions — Unlimited | We deliver a complete draft drawing set for your review. If anything needs to be adjusted — a surface treatment, a view angle, a broken line placement, an additional figure — we revise at no additional charge. We work with you until every drawing is exactly right. |
06 | Delivery of USPTO-Ready Files | Final drawings are delivered electronically in all formats required for filing: PDF (for USPTO Patent Center) and high-resolution TIFF. We also provide a complete set of figure descriptions suitable for incorporation into the application specification. |
Frequently Asked Questions — Design Patent Drawings
What makes design patent drawings different from utility patent drawings?
Yes, in nearly all cases. Under 35 U.S.C. § 113, the USPTO requires drawings "where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented." For mechanical, electrical, software, and structural inventions, this means drawings are effectively mandatory. Method claims that can be fully understood from written language alone are a limited exception, but even these typically benefit from a flowchart or block diagram.
How many views are required for a design patent application?
The USPTO requires a sufficient number of views to constitute a complete disclosure. For most three-dimensional articles, this means seven standard views: front, rear, left side, right side, top, bottom, and perspective. Some views may be omitted if the specification includes an explicit statement confirming the surface is flat, featureless, or identical to another view.
Is surface shading required in design patent drawings?
Yes, in virtually all cases involving three-dimensional designs. Under MPEP § 1503.02, appropriate and adequate surface shading must be used to show the character and contour of all surfaces. Failure to include proper shading at the time of filing can result in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) for lack of enablement — and this cannot always be corrected after filing without introducing new matter.
What are broken lines used for in design patent drawings?
In design patents, broken lines are used to show environmental structure or context that forms no part of the claimed design. Elements shown in broken lines are legally disclaimed — they are not protected by the patent. Every use of broken lines must be explained in the specification. Broken lines may not be used to show hidden internal surfaces that cannot be seen through opaque materials.
Can I use photographs instead of line drawings for a design patent?
Yes, but with significant limitations. Photographs and black-and-white line drawings cannot be combined in the same design patent application. If photographs are submitted, they must show only the claimed design — no environmental structure or background may appear. Line drawings are generally preferred because they allow for strategic use of surface shading and broken lines that photographs cannot replicate.
Can design patent drawings include color?
Yes. Color drawings are permitted in design patent applications without a petition. However, if color is included in the original filing, color becomes an integral part of the disclosed and claimed design — which may limit your ability to enforce the patent against products in different colors. Most practitioners recommend black-and-white line drawings unless color is a defining feature of the design.
What happens if my design patent drawings are objected to by the USPTO?
SNS Patent Drafting will correct any drawings we prepared, at no charge, if they are objected to on the basis of formal compliance. Drawing objections in design patents can be serious — particularly if they relate to missing surface shading or improper broken line usage, which may not be correctable without introducing new matter. This is precisely why getting the drawings right at filing is essential.
Do you prepare drawings for international design filings?
Yes. SNS Patent Drafting prepares design patent drawings for U.S. USPTO filings and for international design applications filed through the WIPO Hague System. We are aware of the key differences — particularly regarding broken lines, which many foreign offices do not permit — and can prepare alternate drawing sets for international counterpart applications.
Can a graphical user interface or computer icon be protected by a design patent?
Yes. The USPTO protects graphical user interfaces, screen icons, and display designs under design patent law. Under updated USPTO guidance issued in 2024, design patent applications for computer-generated interfaces no longer require that the display panel appear in the drawings, provided the title and claim clearly identify the article of manufacture.
What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark for protecting appearance?
A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a specific article of manufacture for a term of 15 years from the date of grant. A trademark protects source-identifying marks — logos, brand names, and product configurations that consumers associate with a particular source — and can last indefinitely with continued use. They protect different things and are often used together as complementary IP strategies.
How long does it take to get design patent drawings?
Standard turnaround at SNS Patent Drafting is 3–5 business days from receipt of your design reference materials and a confirmed scope. Rush turnaround is available for time-sensitive filing deadlines. We confirm your specific timeline before work begins.
How much do design patent drawings cost?
Pricing depends on the complexity of the design, the number of required views, and any special requirements such as surface ornamentation, broken line strategy, or international formatting. We provide a clear, itemized quote after reviewing your design — there are no hidden fees, and revisions are always included. Contact SNS Patent Drafting for a free, no-obligation quote.
What Our Clients Say
"Sal does terrific patent drafting for our whole firm! Keep up the great work, Sal."
— DANIEL M. CISLO, ESQ, MANAGING PARTNER AT
CISLO & THOMAS LLP
WEST LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA
"SNS Patent Drafting has been our firm's go-to patent illustration service for over two years. The drawings are always 37 CFR § 1.84 compliant, delivered on time, and never require corrections from the USPTO. For a busy IP practice, that reliability is everything."
— M. RICHARDSON, PATENT ATTORNEY · IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
"SNS Patent Drafting provides quality patent drawings at cost-effective pricing. Sal is also easy to work with, eager to provide accurate drawings, and readily available to discuss difficult projects. I appreciate his willingness to go the extra mile to get a job done right."
— C. WOOK PAK, ESQ
PATENT ATTORNEY AT
CISLO & THOMAS LLP
WEST LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
"SNS Patent Drafting has been our firm's go-to patent illustration service for over two years. The drawings are always 37 CFR § 1.84 compliant, delivered on time, and never require corrections from the USPTO. For a busy IP practice, that reliability is everything."
— M. RICHARDSON, PATENT ATTORNEY · IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
"Very professional, quick turnaround times. We loved working with SNS. They ensured we were satisfied with the work throughout the entire process."
— CAROLINA TRUJILLO,
DIRECTOR AT WEBER SHANDWICK
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
"SNS Patent Drafting has been our firm's go-to patent illustration service for over two years. The drawings are always 37 CFR § 1.84 compliant, delivered on time, and never require corrections from the USPTO. For a busy IP practice, that reliability is everything."
— M. RICHARDSON, PATENT ATTORNEY · IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
Get USPTO-Compliant Design Patent Drawings Today
Your design is your competitive advantage. Protect it with drawings that define the broadest possible scope of protection — prepared to the exact standards of 37 CFR § 1.152 and MPEP § 1503.02. SNS Patent Drafting delivers professional, examiner-ready design patent drawings with fast turnaround and unlimited revisions.
✓ 7 CFR § 1.152 & MPEP § 1503.02 Compliant
✓ All 7 Required Views Included
✓ Serving LA, OC & All 50 States
✓ Unlimited Revisions Included
✓ 24-Hour Rush Available
All design materials and invention disclosures are treated as strictly confidential. NDAs available upon request.
SNS Patent Drafting provides professional design patent drawing services to product designers, inventors, patent attorneys, and IP law firms throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and all of Southern California — as well as clients nationwide and internationally. Every drawing is prepared to the standards of 37 CFR § 1.84, 37 CFR § 1.152, and MPEP § 1503.02 for USPTO design patent filings, and to WIPO Hague System requirements for international design registrations.
Also see our Utility Patent Drawings page for technical patent illustration services.