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How to Send a Patent Drawing Package to your Patent Illustrator




Before a patent illustrator ever puts pen to paper—or stylus to screen—there’s one essential element that sets the stage for accurate, professional patent drawings: the Patent Drawing Package. This is the foundational set of instructions from either the inventor or patent attorney that guides our illustrators through the nuances of your invention. If you're preparing to submit your invention to us, here's everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, efficient process.

While this aligns with Step 2 of our “Submit Patent Drawings in 6 Steps” infographic, let’s take a closer look at what makes a solid drawing package and how to send yours effectively.


What is a Patent Drawing Package

A Patent Drawing Package is more than just a submission—it’s a communication tool. It helps us understand your invention from both a functional and design standpoint, so we can develop precise illustrations that comply with USPTO and PCT standards.

This package usually includes:

  • Descriptions of how the invention works

  • An overview of key features that need to be illustrated

  • Reference materials to guide views (top, side, cross-sectional, exploded, etc.)

The clearer your package, the better we can translate your ideas into compliant, compelling visuals.


File Types & Formats for your Patent Drawing Package

To make your submission easier, we accept a range of file formats, including:

  • 3D CAD files 

  • 2D vector drawings 

  • Image files 

  • Video files 

  • PDFs (great for combining sketches, notes, or screenshots)

If you’re unsure whether your file format will work, just ask—we’re happy to help.


What to Include in the Drawing Package

The more details you provide, the fewer revisions you'll need. Strong packages typically contain:

  • Multiple sketches or concept views (even hand-drawn or napkin sketches are helpful)

  • Notes from a patent attorney if you’re working with one

  • Markups showing important mechanisms or moving parts

  • Photos of physical prototypes

  • CAD models or exploded diagrams (if available)

We can work with any combination of the above. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be clear.


Real-World Example: Prototypes You Can’t Ship

Recently, an inventor sent us a video of their prototype because the unit was too heavy to ship and too large to store safely. The video allowed us to see the device in motion, pause at key points, and screenshot specific angles and mechanisms. This approach gave us all the visual data we needed to create a full utility drawing set without ever needing the physical product on hand.

So don’t worry if your prototype is fragile, bulky, or still in development—we’ll work with whatever you’ve got, as long as we can see how it functions.


Don’t Forget the NDA

Before submitting your Patent Drawing Package, we strongly encourage signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for your peace of mind. We’re happy to sign yours, or we can provide a standard NDA to protect your intellectual property.


Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're sending us a napkin sketch, a fully rendered CAD model, or a narrated video walkthrough of your prototype, the goal is the same: help us understand your invention clearly so we can illustrate it accurately and professionally.

Still unsure what to include? Reach out and we’ll guide you—just like we have for hundreds of inventors before you.



 
 
 

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