GL A IX 7.3.1 Sectional diagrams

Where the figure is a cross-section on another figure, the latter should indicate the position and may indicate the viewing direction.

Each sectional figure should be capable of being quickly identified, especially where several cross-sections are made on the same figure, e.g. by inscribing the words "Section on AB", or to avoid the use of lettering, by marking each end of the cross-section line on the diagram with a single Roman numeral. This number will be the same as the (Arabic) numeral identifying the figure where the section is illustrated.

GL A IX 7.3 Cross-sections

7.3.1 Sectional diagrams

7.3.2 Hatching

GL A IX 7.2 Shading

The use of shading in figures is allowed provided this assists in their understanding and is not so extensive as to impede legibility.

GL A IX 7.1 Drawings of lines and strokes

Rule 46(2)(a) sets certain standards for lines and strokes in the drawing, to permit satisfactory reproduction by the various means described in Rule 49(2).[Rule 46(2)(a); Rule 49(2); ]

The drawings must be executed in black. Colour drawings can be submitted but will be scanned, printed and made available via file inspection in black and white only (see also

GL A IX 7 Executing of drawings

7.1 Drawings of lines and strokes

7.2 Shading

7.3 Cross-sections

7.4 Scale of drawings

7.5 Numbers, letters and reference signs

7.6 Variations in proportions

GL A IX 6 Prohibited matter

The provisions as to the omission of prohibited matter within the meaning of Rule 48(1)(a) (see A‑III, 8.1, and F‑II, 7.2) also apply to drawings.[Rule 48(1); (2); ]

Statements or other matter of the type referred to under Rule 48(1)(c) (see

GL A IX 5.3 Whole figure

Where figures drawn on two or more sheets are intended to form one whole figure, the figures on the several sheets shall be so arranged that the whole figure can be assembled without concealing any part of the partial figures.[Rule 46(2)(h); ]

Partial figures drawn on separate sheets must always be capable of being linked edge to edge, that is to say no figure may contain parts of another.

The case may arise where the parts of a whole figure are drawn on a single sheet following a layout

GL A IX 5.2 Numbering of figures

The different figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, independently of the numbering of the sheets.[Rule 46(2)(h); ]

This numbering should be preceded by the abbreviation "FIG", whatever the official language of the application. Where a single figure is sufficient to illustrate the invention, it should not be numbered and the abbreviation "FIG" must not appear.

GL A IX 5.1 Page‑setting

As far as possible all figures of the drawings should be set out upright on the sheets.

GL A IX 5 General layout of drawings

The various figures on the same sheet of drawings must be laid out according to certain requirements as to page-setting and numbering, and figures divided into several parts must comply with particular requirements.

5.1 Page‑setting

5.2 Numbering of figures

5.3 Whole figure