What should be included in a patent application abstract?

A patent application abstract should include a concise summary of the key technical elements of the invention. The MPEP 608.01(b) states:

The abstract should sufficiently describe the disclosure to assist readers in deciding whether there is a need for consulting the full patent text for details.

The abstract should cover:

  • The technical disclosure of the improvement
  • The nature and gist of the invention
  • The principal use of the invention

It’s important to note that legal phraseology often used in patent claims should be avoided in the abstract.

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Topics: Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Abstract Content, Technical Elements