Format
All patent documents have to be submitted in the correct format or they will be rejected. There are strict rules regarding the quality of the paper, the size of the margins, the size of the text and the page layout. Most word processors can handle these requirements.
You can submit your patent application in either French or English, but the abstract, description, claims, and drawings must all be in the same language.
Here are the format requirements for text: (There are other rules for drawings.)
Paper
Use good quality white paper that is either 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm or
21 cm by 29.7 cm (A4 format). The paper shouldn't be creased or
folded. The Patent Office has to be able to reproduce it electronically so use
standard fonts and avoid elaborate styles. Your application shouldn't contain
any underlining, erasures or corrections.
Margins
Use the following margin dimensions:
- Top, bottom and right: 2.0 cm
- Left: 2.5 cm
The only things you can write in the margins are the file reference number (in either upper corner) and the line numbering for the description and claims (left margin).
Text
The capital letters of the text should be at least .21 cm high. A font
size of 12 pt. is usually sufficient. Except for sequence listings,
tables, and mathematical and chemical formulae, the text for the description
and claims should be spaced 1.5 lines apart.
Numbering
Number the pages of the description and claims sections consecutively at the
centre of the top or bottom of the page. You can number the lines of the
description section in the left margin. Number each claim consecutively.
Page layout
In most cases the page layout is oriented upright or portrait. If it helps to
present the information, the drawings, formulae, and tables can be formatted
using a landscape orientation.
