What is the purpose of antecedent basis in patent claims?

What is the purpose of antecedent basis in patent claims?

The purpose of antecedent basis in patent claims is to ensure clarity and definiteness in claim language. According to MPEP 2173.05(e):

“The lack of clarity could arise where a claim refers to “said lever” or “the lever,” where the claim contains no earlier recitation or limitation of a lever and where it would be unclear as to what element the limitation was making reference.”

Proper antecedent basis helps avoid confusion about which elements are being referred to in subsequent parts of the claim, making the scope of the invention clear to those skilled in the art.

To learn more:

• antecedent basis
• patent claims
• clarity
• definiteness