Law - Drawing Reference Numerals

Reference numerals are used on the drawings and in the text of the specification to identify the elements (or steps) of the invention. In the disclosure of a complicated invention, it is helpful to provide a listing of reference numerals and associated invention elements (or process steps) to ensure that (1) each reference numeral is used to call out only one invention element or step and (2) each claimed element or step is shown on at least one drawing.

The position of the USPTO on this issue is described in the following section(s) of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP):

MPEP 608.01(f) - Brief Description of the Drawings
MPEP 608.02(d) - Complete Illustration in Drawings
MPEP 608.02(e) - Examiner Determines Completeness of Drawings


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