Getting your patent drawing approved is a daunting task. That’s why we have listed the ten best programs available for patent drawing software architecture. You can use them to create 3D designs, geometrical figures, sketch modeling, and prototyping. They can help you get your patent drawing approved in one go.
So, are you also looking forward to illustrating patent drawings?
Read here to know more about patent drawing software and see how they can help you simplify your patent approval journey by creating patent drawings as per the USPTO standards.
Patent drawings software architecture are digital illustrations of your project or invention that come along with your patent application. It includes essential details regarding your project’s design and structure.
The primary purpose of the patent drawing is to provide a clear and concise visual detail of your invention. Precise and detailed illustrations created according to the USPTO guidelines can lead to a successfully approved patent drawing.
Before the invention of digital tools, patent drawings and software architecture were precisely crafted with hands. It required the utmost illustrators to turn complex designs into detailed drawings. The entire process of creating a patent takes a lot of time and skill.
Earlier, hand-based illustrations were the only medium to showcase visuals of the creations to the patent approval committee. The introduction of computer-aided software marked an important transition in creating patent drawings. Computer-aided design (CAD) tools provide inventors and designers with a digital platform to create precise 2D and 3D-based illustrations.
These tools come with insightful features like geometric modeling and layer management, which simplify the task of patent designing. Patent drawings are classified into diverse categories; let’s take a look at them one by one.
Also known as an orthogonal view, the perspective view allows users to capture the three-dimensional layout of the design. Professionals usually recommend this view for neatness and clarity.
Professionals consider isometric views the most important patent drawing view. They are a pictorial representation of an object in which all three dimensions or sides are drawn at full sides.
Professionals typically use sectional views to show features of an object or design that are not visible properly from the exterior.
Duplicate views are another patent example that a professional typically uses when the left and right sides of a design are identical. A separate view is provided with a description note at the end of the design to differentiate between the two.
With hundreds of digital software programs available on the internet, choosing one for your patent drawings can be tough. So, let’s take a look at the list of top 10 software recommended by professionals:
AutoCAD is computer-based software used to implement patent designs by engineers and designers. This software is frequently used by professionals to curate 2D or 3D designs for more productivity, quality, and documentation. It is a paid software available at $161.95 per month and $126.74 per year.
| Release date: 1982 |
| Developer’s: John Walker |
| Expertise: Design and Modelling |
| Subscription type: Paid (Monthly and Yearly Basis) |
CorelCAD is computer-based software similar to AutoCAD. This software is specifically designed for architectural and engineering professionals. This software is easily available as a mobile app on both Android and iOS devices. It also allows users to track, edit, and share files at ease. Similar to AutoCAD, this is also a premium software available at $1028.66/- one time.
| Release date: 2011 |
| Developer’s: Alludo |
| Expertise: Architecture and Engineering |
| Subscription type: Paid (One-time) |
SolveSpace is parametric computer-aided software similar to AutoCAD and CorelCAD. This software specializes in 2D and 3D sketch modeling. It is especially loved by beginners because of its expertise and subscription type.
The updated version of this software is available on Windows Vista–10, Linux, and Mac. Additionally, it supports all the saving formats in its free version, such as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Drawing Exchange Format (DXF).
| Release date: 2008 |
| Developer’s: Jonathan Westhues |
| Expertise: Mechanical and Electrical |
| Subscription type: FREE! |
Autodesk is a computer-aided design application optimized for 3D designs. It is one of the best-known software for providing a combination of parametric, direct, free-form, and rule-based designs. This software also allows you to create designs as per industry and USTPO requirements. A paid version of this software is available at $2511.15 per year.
| Release date: 1999 |
| Developer’s: Autodesk |
| Expertise: 3D CAD Designs |
| Subscription type: Paid (Annually) |
TinkerCAD is officially owned by AutoDesk. It is a free-of-cost website program to practice 3D modeling and geometrical figures. This software is usually loved by beginners for its easy applications and circuit design. As of now, this is the only software that provides 3D features without any paid version.
| Release date: 2011 |
| Developer’s: Kai Backman |
| Expertise: 3D Modeling |
| Subscription type: FREE |
Onshape is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model-based software system. This platform allows teams to collaborate and work on a single design together. It had primarily expertise in consumer electronics and mechanical machinery. Recently, this software has gained specialization in 3D modeling, advanced admin security, and custom release management. The paid version of this software is available at $1506.68 per year.
| Release date: 2012 |
| Developer’s: PTC |
| Expertise: 3D printing and medical devices |
| Subscription type: Paid (Annually) |
BricsCAD is a computer-based software used for implementing engineering and architectural patent drawing designs. This software is most commonly used by beginners, as it is only limited to 2D in the unpaid version. For advanced designing and editing, you can subscribe to its paid version, which is available at $711.17 and specializes in both 2D and 3D versions.
| Release date: 2024 |
| Developer’s: Bricsys NV |
| Expertise: Engineering and Architecture |
| Subscription type: Paid (one time) |
Solidworks is considered a good alternative to AutoCAD and CorelCAD as it offers detailed and precise features such as 3D designing, printing, and modeling. This software is ideal for mechanical engineers and architects who need highly accurate 3D detailing in their patent drawings. Its paid version is available at $2631.74 per year.
| Release date: 1995 |
| Developer’s: Dassault Systèmes |
| Expertise: 3D Designing |
| Subscription type: Paid (Annually) |
Rhinoceros 3D is another very useful and highly regarded 3D modeling software. This tool can help you mold curves, points, surfaces, and solids. It enables you to run 3D designs smoothly, which is an integral part of patent drawings. It is also used for CAD, CAM, prototyping, and 3D printing. A paid version of this software is available at $999.54 for a lifetime.
| Release date: 2023 |
| Developer’s: Robert McNeel & Associates |
| Expertise: Architecture and Engineering |
| Subscription type: Paid (one-time) |
ZWCAD is beginner-friendly software that requires only 2 GB of RAM to run smoothly on any device. The best part about this tool is that it supports both Windows and Mac. This software is very easy to use, understand, and implement your patent 3D drawing skills. It is specially developed for new people invested in software architecture. The paid version of ZWCAD is available at $1204.45 for a lifetime.
| Release date: 2022 |
| Developer’s: ZWSOFT |
| Expertise: 3D Designs |
| Subscription type: Paid (One-Time) |
So these were the 10 best software for patent drawing. Now, let’s take a look at the must-have features that every patent drawing software must have in the following section.
Let’s take a look at must-have components a patent drawing software should have.
These tools allow professionals to draw lines, curves, and other shapes with ease and precision. It helps in forming detailed patent drawings with flexibility.
Sometimes professionals require a more personalized touch in their drawings; freehand tools give the flexibility to draw upon the digital canvas.
One of the most important upgrades is the inclusion of 3D capabilities in the drawing software. It offers a more neat view from different angles and perspectives.
Some software has in-built pre-designed templates for prominent patent drawings such as mechanical, electrical, and architectural. It helps in maintaining efficiency and saving time.
Saving formats are another major component of patent drawing software. AutoCAD, CorelCAD, and TinkerCAD offer the ability to save and share the patent drawings in the desired format. You can even import, export, and backup the existing file to different software. This will help you save a lot of time when drafting a new patent design or resuming work on the old one.
AutoCAD, CorelCAD, and TinkerCAD are the recommended software by professionals. But, before using the mentioned software for your patent drawings, you must know the required criteria for patent application approval.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has established specific essential standards for software-oriented patent drawings. To ensure your patent drawings meet the standards, it is important to follow the pointers listed below:
8.5”x 11” or A4 paper size is the ideal size for patent drawings set by USPTO, and digital drawings should be in file format because they are easy to share, save, and export to different software.
Most patent drawings are submitted in black-and-white format, whereas some are exceptions, such as design patents, that can be color-coded and shaded.
Include a descriptive reference list explaining the references used throughout your design or illustration.
Include multiple perspectives of your drawing to provide a better understanding, and the numbering of each drawing sheet or page should be in Arabic consecutive numbers, such as, e.g., 1, 2, 3.
You can also refer to the USPTO Guidelines for a better understanding of the criteria. If you want to get your patent approved in one go, you should avoid making certain mistakes that we have discussed in detail in the subsequent section.
Here are some mistakes you should keep in mind if you don’t want to face rejection on your patent drawings.
While creating your patent drawing, you should make it clear and concise from your end. Not sketching your drawings as per USTPO standards can land you up against disapproval on your patent drawing.
Accurate and clear referencing is critical for clarity and conciseness. You should keep a list of all the references used from start to finish, with proper consecutive labeling.
We can see new advancements being incorporated into the patent drawing software. So, let’s take a look at what the future holds for patent drawings and software architecture.
In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken over the digital world. Likewise, it is being used in creating patent illustrations and shortlisting patent applications too. AI-centric tools can easily detect minor errors and defects, which will help elevate the process.
We can even see the deployment of machine learning (ML) and virtual reality (VR) integrated into patent drawings very soon. Overall, as technologies continue to flourish, we can expect creative changes and exciting possibilities.
Crafting patent drawings is a tough nut to crack, but we have listed the 10 best software and essential standards required to get your patent drawings software architecture approved in one go. Your patent drawing is the visual representation of your invention, so feel free to uplift your crafting journey today with the provided information.
AutoCAD and CorelCAD are very similar in application; both of these software provide the same kind of features. Considering the pricing of both the software, if you have a low budget, you can go for CorelCAD as it’s lower in price; otherwise, AutoCAD is best as per professionals.
No, but if you don’t keep a clear check on the points mentioned above and your drawing is not up to the guidelines by USPTO, there are chances you will end up getting rejected by the approval committee.
It will range from around 8,000/- to 10,500/- in INR per sheet. Patent illustrations are billed at a high cost because of their in-depth, precise detailing and skill required.
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