PCT Rule 11.11 only permits a limited use of text in drawings. However, the International Bureau observes that applicants often include significant text in drawings. Where such drawings are used for the front page of an international application, this text is sometimes difficult to read. Provision of this text to translation is done through reviewed OCR or re-typing. Furthermore, since the text is only shown in image format, neither the original nor translated text is available for indexation in search engines.
A new front page arrangement (referred to on page 4 of document PCT/MIA/30/6) will soon be used to address some of these problems, but further consideration should be given to the questions of when and how much text should be permitted in drawings, as well as how best to capture and process that text.
The International Bureau seeks advice on use and capture of text in drawings.