How does the USPTO define “invention” for claim analysis?

The USPTO defines “invention” for claim analysis as follows:

“The invention” is defined by the claims. The invention set forth in the claims must be presumed to be that which the applicant regards as his or her invention.

This definition is found in MPEP 904.01. It emphasizes that the claims themselves define the invention, and examiners must presume that the applicant’s claims accurately reflect their intended invention.

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Tags: Claim Analysis, Invention Definition, patent claims, USPTO