The Patents Rules 2007 and Patents (Fees) Rules 2007 – Schedule 2: Formal and other requirements – Guidance

Summary:

Schedule 2 of the document outlines several formal and other requirements for patent applications. Here is a brief summary of the main points:

Part 1: Requirements (All Documents)

Use A4 matt white paper
Ensure documents are free from tears, folds, or similar damage
Avoid using frames (lines surrounding matter)
Number pages consecutively in a single series
Use at least 1.5 line spacing for abstract, description, and claims
Start each section (request, description, claims, and abstract) on a new sheet of paper
Use capital letters that are more than 2mm high

Part 2: Requirements (Documents other than Drawing and Photographs)

Number pages consecutively in a single series
Use page numbers at the top or bottom of the page, centered
Maintain a minimum margin of 20mm
Start each section on a new sheet of paper
Use at least 1.5 line spacing for abstract, description, and claims (unless part of a translation or sequence listing)
Use capital letters that are more than 2mm high

Part 3: Requirements (Drawings and Photographs)

Maintain a margin around drawings or photographs (at least 20mm at top and left, 15mm at right, and 10mm at bottom)
Number drawings or photographs consecutively in a single series
Start drawings or photographs on a new sheet of paper
Number pages containing drawings or photographs consecutively in a single series
Use black lines and shading (where necessary) for drawings
Ensure drawings are clear even when reduced to two-thirds of their original size
Include scale or photograph must not be included in description, claims, abstract, or request for grant of patent

Part 4: Other Requirements

References must only be included in the drawing or photograph where mentioned in description or claims
Tables of information may only be included in claims with Comptroller agreement
Use consistent terminology and references throughout the application
Provide equivalent standard international units of measurement
* Use only technical terms, signs, and symbols generally accepted in the field