Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Glossaries play a crucial role in ensuring adequate definition of claim terms in patent applications. The MPEP 2173.03 specifically mentions the importance of glossaries:
“Glossaries of terms used in the claims are a helpful device for ensuring adequate definition of terms used in claims.”
Glossaries serve several important functions:
- They provide clear definitions for claim terms
- They help establish antecedent basis in the specification
- They assist examiners and the public in understanding the claimed invention
- They can help prevent rejections based on indefiniteness
By including a glossary in the specification, inventors can proactively define their terms, reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation or disputes over claim scope during examination or potential litigation.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2100 – Patentability,
MPEP 2173.03 – Correspondence Between Specification And Claims,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure