Author: Aindrila Mitra

When you look at a patent drawing, those little numbers pointing to parts of the invention can feel like tiny details you don’t need to think about. But those small numbers—called reference numerals—can make or break how clear and strong your patent turns out. They guide the reader’s eye, connect your drawings with your written…

If you’ve ever started drafting a patent, you know how easy it is to get lost in the details. You’re moving fast, sketching out your ideas, and before you know it, you’ve got a pile of drawings, labels, and pages. But here’s the thing—if you don’t number your figures and sheets correctly, your patent application…

When you file a patent, drawings matter just as much as words. The U.S. Patent Office follows strict rules for how those drawings must look. These rules live inside a regulation called 37 CFR 1.84. It covers small details like the thickness of lines, the size of margins, and even how numbers should appear on…

Great drawings can make or break your patent. The rules are strict. The details matter. And the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) do not ask for the same things. If you ship one set of drawings to both, you risk delays, extra fees, or worse—rejections you could…

Here’s the truth: your patent drawing can make or break your filing. Examiners rely on drawings to see what words can’t show fast enough. Clean lines, the right views, and the right labels help your idea land. Sloppy work causes delays, rejections, and extra cost. The good news is that the rules are clear. If…

When you’re building something new, the last thing you want is paperwork slowing you down. But if you’re filing a patent, there’s one part you can’t afford to ignore: the Information Disclosure Statement—or IDS. It sounds boring. It’s not. It’s where you show the patent office that you’ve been honest about what’s already out there.…

Let’s start with IDS Cycle Time. This one’s easy to overlook, but it matters more than most founders realize. IDS stands for “Information Disclosure Statement.” It’s basically a list of any prior art—other inventions, papers, or patents—that might be related to yours. The USPTO requires you to submit it, and you’re legally responsible for getting…

Let’s be real. Patent work moves fast. But even one misstep between a paralegal and an attorney can slow everything down. Something small—like a missing date or an unclear comment—can mean hours of back-and-forth, redos, and stress. And that’s time you don’t have when you’re building something big. Why Handoffs Break (And How to Spot…

In the fast-moving world of startups and deep tech, patent deadlines don’t wait—and neither does your competition. But one small step in the process can quietly make or break your entire filing: the 1.97(e) certification. It’s a short statement, but it carries big legal weight. Miss it, and you could risk losing the very protection…

If you’re building something new, something that actually matters, you don’t want to get tripped up by paperwork. But here’s the thing—when you file patents across countries, you can get tripped up. Badly. Especially when it comes to disclosure. Why the IDS Matters More Than You Think Filing a patent isn’t just about claiming your…