What role does the specification play in interpreting patent claims?
What role does the specification play in interpreting patent claims?
The specification plays a crucial role in interpreting patent claims. According to MPEP 2173.01:
“The specification should ideally serve as a glossary to the claim terms so that the examiner and the public can clearly ascertain the meaning of the claim terms.“
This means that:
- The specification provides context and definitions for claim terms
- It helps clarify the inventor’s intended meaning of claim language
- Examiners and the public should refer to the specification to understand claim scope
However, it’s important to note that while the specification is vital for interpretation, limitations from the specification should not be read into the claims unless explicitly stated. The MPEP advises: “Although the specification may describe specific embodiments of the invention, the claims are not necessarily limited to those embodiments.” This balance ensures that claims are interpreted in light of the specification without unduly limiting their scope.
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