Can I use the claims language in my patent application abstract?

It’s generally not recommended to use claims language or legal phraseology in your patent application abstract. The MPEP 608.01(b) explicitly states:

The abstract should avoid using phrases which can be implied, such as, ‘The disclosure concerns,’ ‘The disclosure defined by this invention,’ ‘The disclosure describes,’ etc. Also, legal phraseology often used in patent claims, such as ‘means’ and ‘said,’ should be avoided.

Instead of using claims language, focus on describing the invention in clear, concise terms that a general reader can understand. The abstract should be informative and provide a summary of the technical disclosure, not a legal definition of the invention’s scope.

To learn more:

Topics: Patent Law, Patent Procedure