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[TaiwanIP]

I have always included at least one flow diagram when I have a method claim. But is this necessary? And if so, why? Does this fall under the category of the drawing in a nonprovisional application having to show every feature of the invention specified in the claims required by Rule 1.83(a)?
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxr_1_83.htm
I realize that it is desirable to include a flow diagram under these circumstances (for at least a couple of reasons I can think of) but is it necessary?
Thank you.

[TaiwanIP]

I found this

It is not necessary to provide a flow diagram
of the claimed steps in the drawings, although
such a diagram might be helpful in some cases for
making a process more easily understandable.

here http://www.pli.edu/product_files/booksamples/16966_sample4.pdf, but no rule or statute is cited.

[khazzah]

There is no requirement to provide a particular type of drawing for a particular type of claim or particular type of patent application.

We discussed drawings for e-commerce/software patents here:
http://www.intelproplaw.com/ip_forum/index.php/topic,16850.msg84890.html#msg84890

[TaiwanIP]

There is no requirement to provide a particular type of drawing for a particular type of claim or particular type of patent application.

Okay, thanks for that.

We discussed drawings for e-commerce/software patents here:
http://www.intelproplaw.com/ip_forum/index.php/topic,16850.msg84890.html#msg84890

That's a discussion that I started! It's been a while, though.