Coming soon · Step-by-step Guide
How to Make Patent Drawings Lo
A practical, step-by-step manual that teaches inventors how to create their own formal patent drawings that meet strict U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requirements, using pen and ink, a computer, or a camera.
This is a step-by-step procedural book — we're building it into Stepcode, with a profile to follow.
What it’s about
Most patent applications require detailed technical drawings, and professional draftspersons charge $75 to $150 per sheet—costs that add up fast across multiple applications. How to Make Patent Drawings demystifies the entire process, showing that you don't need artistic talent to produce acceptable patent drawings: a little knowledge of cameras, computers, or simple drafting tools may be all that's required. Written by patent agent Jack Lo and patent attorney David Pressman, this Patent It Yourself companion walks you through drawing fundamentals (views, perspective, foreshortening), three production methods (pen and ruler, CAD software, and tracing photographs), and the precise PTO standards governing utility and design patent drawings—covering everything from line widths and reference numbers to shading, sectional views, and responding to Office Actions. By learning these skills, you save hundreds or thousands of dollars, gain the satisfaction of completing your own application, and produce drawings that more accurately reflect your invention because you know it best.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An independent inventor preparing a patent application who wants to produce professional-quality patent drawings without paying expensive draftsperson fees.
- The problem
- The inventor must produce detailed drawings that meet strict PTO formal requirements but lacks drafting skills and money for a professional. The inventor feels intimidated and anxious that drawing is too technical or artistic for them and fears making costly, uncorrectable mistakes.
- The plan
- Learn basic drawing concepts: views, perspective, and foreshortening.
- Choose a production method—pen and ruler, computer/CAD, or camera tracing.
- Master the specific rules for utility or design patent drawings.
- Apply general PTO standards for paper, margins, lines, and reference numbers.
- Respond correctly to any PTO objections without adding new matter.
- The payoff
- The inventor saves hundreds to thousands of dollars per application by drawing it themselves. · The inventor produces clear, accurate, PTO-compliant drawings that reflect their invention precisely. · The inventor gains the satisfaction of completing the full patent application independently and can reuse the skills for future inventions.
See our guide
Additional reading
- Patent Engineering: A Guide to Building a Valuable Patent Portfolio · Donald S. Rimai
The author's previous book, which introduces foundational concepts like 'owning the problem' and conducting clearance searches that are referenced and built upon in this guide.
- Rembrandts in the Attic · Kevin G. Rivette and David Kline
Cited as a key reference for understanding the significant commercial and economic value that a well-structured patent portfolio can have for a company.
- Connections · James Burke
Referenced for its thesis that modern technology arises from combining previously unrelated components, which supports the book's argument about where to find patentable inventions when combining known technologies.
- Profit From Your Idea: How to Make Smart Licensing Deals · Richard Stim
The book recommends this title for detailed guidance on the invention licensing process, including finding licensees, negotiating terms, and drafting a comprehensive agreement.
- Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name · Stephen Fishman
Referenced for readers who need more in-depth information on selecting, searching, and registering trademarks to supplement their patent rights.
- The Copyright Handbook: What Every Writer Needs to Know · Stephen Fishman
Suggested for a complete discussion of copyright law, which the book only covers in an overview, for protecting expressive works associated with an invention.
- Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) · U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Frequently cited as the 'examiner's bible,' this is the definitive official guide to the rules, laws, and procedures used by the USPTO during patent examination.
- Patent Pending in 24 Hours · Richard Stim and David Pressman
Mentioned as a resource for more information on preparing a Provisional Patent Application, including use of Nolo's online PPA program.
- Chisum on Patents · Donald S. Chisum
A multi-volume treatise that provides a very detailed survey of United States patent law and its historical development.
- Lipscomb’s Walker on Patents · Ernest Bainbridge Lipscomb
A multi-volume treatise that serves as a valuable, detailed resource on U.S. patent law.