Is it necessary for claim terms to match those in the specification?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. No, it is not necessary for claim terms to exactly match those used in the specification. The MPEP 2173.05(e) states: “There is no requirement that the words in the claim must match those used in the specification disclosure. Applicants are given a great deal of latitude in how they choose to define their invention so long as the terms and phrases used define the invention with a reasonable degree of clarity and precision.” This flexibility allows inventors to use different terminology in claims as long as the meaning is clear and the invention is precisely defined. However, the terms used should still comply with the written description and enablement requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claim Must Be Clear and Unambiguous MPEP 2173.05(e) Claim Terms Not Necessarily Indefinite Without Antecedent Basis MPEP 2173.05(e) Claim Terms Must Define Invention Clearly and Precisely MPEP 2173.05(e) Failure to Provide Antecedent Basis Does Not Always Render Claim Indefinite MPEP 2173.05(e) Claim Terms Do Not Need To Match Specification MPEP 2173.05(e) Required Inherent Components Require Antecedent Basis MPEP 2173.05(e) Inherent Characteristics Provide Antecedent Basis MPEP 2173.05(e) Permitted Claim Must Be Definite Under Section 112(b) MPEP 2173 Claims Must Be Clear and Definite MPEP 2173 Claim Must Apprise One of Ordinary Skill of Its Scope MPEP 2173.05(e) Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Does additional elements in the claim body not mentioned in the preamble cause indefiniteness? Does lack of antecedent basis always make a claim indefinite? How does the USPTO handle antecedent basis issues in Markush groups? Can...