What is a “generic claim” in patent applications?

A generic claim in patent applications is a claim that encompasses a broad group of inventions or species. According to MPEP 806.04:

“A generic claim should comprehend the subject matter of possible species claims, and is necessarily broader in scope than the species claims.”

Generic claims are important because they provide broader protection for an invention, covering multiple specific implementations or variations within a single claim.

To learn more:

• generic claim
• patent application
• species claims
• claim scope