If you are planning to apply for a patent, you will need to make a patent drawing to include with your application. Generally speaking, the drawing should represent the actual size and design of your invention, including a basis for measurement if it isn’t drawn to size. While it doesn’t have to be a perfect, professional drawing of your patent, it should be as accurate as possible to impress the PTO committee.
Following are five ways to make a patent drawing:
1. Trace a Photograph
If you have photographs of your invention, you can trace them to make a patent drawing. Make sure you have pictures from every angle, and make a separate drawing for each. It is best to use photographs that show your invention against a solid background – white or black, if possible – to aid in the accuracy of your sketch. You can also blow the pictures up to create a larger image.
2. Draw Freehand
If you consider yourself an artist, you might be able to make a patent drawing by drawing it freehand. Make sure your invention is placed in front of you at all times to ensure you record every detail, and use a light pencil to be gone over in ink once you’re sure that the drawing is accurate. Later you can erase the pencil lines and photocopy the drawing to be submitted with your patent application.
3. Sketch on Auto-CAD
If you have a computer-aided design program, you can make a patent drawing electronically by sketching the invention free-hand with the software. This requires an extensive knowledge of Auto-CAD if you don’t want to be continually frustrated, and make sure you have the invention in front of you for reference. This is sometimes easier because it automatically generates measurements to use for comparison.
4. Trace Using Auto-CAD
You can also use a computer-aided design program to trace your invention and make a patent drawing. You’ll need to upload a photograph of the invention using a scanner or digital camera, then trace the contours with an overlying blank sheet. This can get confusing, so take a few courses in Auto-CAD first or hire a professional to assist you with the process.
5. Sketch the Object
If you prefer, you can also create a patent drawing by tracing the actual object, though this can be quite frustrating if you’ve never done it before. Since most inventions are three-dimensional, you’ll need to affix the object using some sort of holding device, then trace it using tracing paper over a sheet of clear glass. This will allow you to see the object as you trace, but you won’t have to worry about not having a flat surface.
Regardless of how you choose to make your patent drawing, you can always have someone else do it for you. An artist or Auto-CAD expert will charge between $25 and $75 per hour for his services, and this is sometimes preferable if you have no drawing experience.
