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Taking photographs for your patent
drawings.
Photographs of a physical prototype are an excellent starting point
for formal patent drawings. Good photos of your prototype will
help you describe your invention more clearly and thoroughly and
will save time and money on patent prosecution and patent drawings.
If you are applying for a utility patent, take photos of all the
views you wish to include in your patent. This will usually
include:
- At least one 3D view of your entire invention.
- If your invention interacts with other objects, take a photo
of the interaction.
- Closeup photos of the parts that make your invention work.
If you are applying for a design patent, take at least seven
photographs of your invention, even if some of the views are the
same or are mirror images of other views. The seven views you
should include are:
- Top
- Bottom
- Front
- Back
- Left side
- Right side
- At least one 3D view, more if they help describe the shape
of your invention.
Tips for taking the best possible
photos.
Be sure you have ample light, if
possible take the photos in a very bright room or outdoors on a bright day,
but not in direct sunlight. If light is low, using a flash can
help but try to avoid strong reflections from shiny or smooth
surfaces on your invention.
Use your camera's zoom lens.
Standing back and using the zoom lens will reduce the distortion in
your photo. Even with the zoom lens, it may help to use the
macro mode if your camera offers the option.
After taking your photos.
Great photos will help your attorney,
patent illustrator, customers and manufacturers understand your
invention. Be sure to get a signed NDA from anyone who will
see your invention before it is patented. You can get a
signed NDA from QuickDraw here.
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