Why is a drawing a necessary component of a patent?

Answer 1

Interesting question.

Drawings are not always required. In design patents, they are always required.

In US utility patents drawings are required only if necessary to understand the invention. Since the standard is subjective, it is good practice to always include at least one drawing in a patent application. This avoids the possibility of rejection for lack of a drawing. Since the rejection slows down the application process and carries an expense for response, avoiding such a simple rejection makes sense.

Hope this helps. My email address is public. -Steve