6. Are drawings required? What is their role? How important are they?

Although drawings are recommended and very often included, they are not compulsory unless the description refers to them. The drawings are intended solely to facilitate understanding and interpretation of the invention.

The description and drawings serve to interpret the claims but are not a substitute for either.

As with the description, drawings may not be contrary to human dignity, public order or morality, unless they are removed. Nor may they contain terms or elements prohibited in the description (see step 3).

In terms of form, the drawings, drawn on free paper, are produced according to the rules of industrial design.

Finally, the drawings may not be modified except in the cases provided for modification and description.