Design Patent Drawings: Views, Shading and Broken Lines
Design patent drawings define the claim. The required views, surface shading, broken lines for unclaimed parts, and how they differ from utility drawings.
Design patent drawings are the claim. A US design patent protects the ornamental appearance of an article, and its single claim reads "the ornamental design for [the article], as shown and described" (37 CFR 1.153). Whatever the drawings show in solid lines is what you own. That makes the views, shading and broken lines far more important than in a utility application.
Key facts
- Governing rules: 37 CFR 1.152 to 1.155 and MPEP 1503.02. The general drawing standards in 37 CFR 1.84 also apply.
- A design patent lasts 15 years from grant for applications filed on or after May 13, 2015 (35 U.S.C. 173).
- Show the design from enough sides to disclose its whole appearance. That usually means six orthographic views plus a perspective view.
- Solid lines are claimed; broken lines show unclaimed environment or parts.
- Surface shading shows contour and material; flat, unshaded surfaces can be read as flat.
- Drawings or black-and-white photographs, but not both in one application.
Design vs utility drawings
| Utility patent drawings | Design patent drawings | |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Help explain how the invention works | Define the protected appearance |
| Reference numerals | Required for described parts | Normally none |
| Views | As many as needed to explain the claims | Enough to show the whole appearance, usually 6 + perspective |
| Shading | Optional | Usually needed to show surface contour |
| Broken lines | Hidden parts, alternate positions, cutting planes | Unclaimed parts and environment |
| Flowcharts and block diagrams | Common | Not used |
| Adding views later | Limited by new-matter rules | Effectively impossible: it changes the claim |
The standard set of views
Most design applications use these figures, each with a one-line description in the specification (37 CFR 1.154):
- FIG. 1: perspective view
- FIG. 2: front elevational view
- FIG. 3: rear elevational view
- FIG. 4: left side elevational view
- FIG. 5: right side elevational view
- FIG. 6: top plan view
- FIG. 7: bottom plan view
You may leave out a view that adds nothing, such as a side that mirrors another, or a plain flat bottom that is never seen. Say so in the description, for example "the right side is a mirror image of the left side". Every surface you omit is one you cannot rely on later, so leave views out on purpose, not by accident.
Surface shading
Shading shows the shape and character of each surface: curved or flat, transparent, reflective. Under MPEP 1503.02, inadequate shading can make the design unclear and lead to a rejection, and shading cannot be added after filing without risking new matter.
- Use straight or stippled lines; solid black areas are only for representing black color or contrast.
- Light the drawing from the upper left at 45°, as in 37 CFR 1.84(m).
- Keep shading consistent across every view of the same surface.
Broken lines for unclaimed parts
Broken lines let you claim only part of a product, such as the handle of a mug but not the body. They also let you show the product in context, such as a phone case on an outline of the phone. Rules of thumb:
- Broken lines should not cross or intrude on the solid lines of the claimed design, and should be no heavier than them (MPEP 1503.02).
- Add a statement to the description such as "The broken lines shown in the drawings illustrate portions of the article that form no part of the claimed design."
- Deciding what to put in broken lines is a claim-scope decision. Talk it through with your patent attorney or agent.
Photographs instead of drawings
Black-and-white photographs are accepted for design applications, and color photos with a granted petition. The rule: either all drawings or all photographs, not a mix (37 CFR 1.152(b)). Photos must show only the article, without stands, props or background that would become part of the claim.
Where PatentStroke fits today
PatentStroke is built for utility drawings. It turns a product photo or sketch into line art, including perspective views, and makes flowcharts, block diagrams and USPTO sheets. It does not yet produce a matched six-view design set with surface shading and broken lines. For a design patent, use an experienced illustrator, or use our line art only as a starting reference for one.
For utility applications, see the USPTO drawing requirements checklist and patent drawing examples.
Frequently asked questions
How many views does a design patent need?
Enough to show the whole appearance of the design (37 CFR 1.152). In practice that usually means front, rear, left, right, top and bottom views plus a perspective view. A view may be left out only if it adds nothing, for example when it is identical to another view or the surface is flat and plain, and the description should say so.
What do broken lines mean in a design patent drawing?
Broken (dashed) lines show parts that are not claimed, such as the surrounding environment or portions of the product you do not want to protect. Solid lines define the claimed design. The description should include a statement that the broken lines form no part of the claimed design.
Can I use photographs for a design patent?
Yes. Design applications may use photographs instead of ink drawings, but not a mix of both in one application (37 CFR 1.152(b)). Photos must show the design clearly, without unrelated background.
Can I add views to a design patent after filing?
No. New views or new surface detail added after filing count as new matter. Because the drawings are the claim, the full set of views should be complete on the filing date.
Does PatentStroke make design patent drawing sets?
Not yet. PatentStroke makes black-and-white line art from photos and sketches, including perspective views, but it does not yet produce a matched six-view set with design-style surface shading and broken lines. For a design patent, an experienced illustrator is the safer choice today.