What is the purpose of patent examination regarding claim clarity?
Patent examination serves multiple purposes, with claim clarity being a crucial aspect. According to MPEP 2171:
“Although an essential purpose of the examination process is to determine whether or not the claims define an invention that is both novel and nonobvious over the prior art, another essential purpose of patent examination is to determine whether or not the claims are precise, clear, correct, and unambiguous. The uncertainties of claim scope should be removed, as much as possible, during the examination process.”
This statement highlights that while novelty and non-obviousness are important, ensuring claim clarity is equally essential. Clear and unambiguous claims benefit both the patent holder and the public by defining the scope of protection and reducing potential disputes over interpretation.
To learn more: