What are the guidelines for numbering claims in a patent application?

The MPEP 608.01(i) provides specific guidelines for numbering claims in a patent application:

• Claims must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals.
• The claim number should be placed to the left of the claim.
• If claims are amended, all claims should be renumbered consecutively.

The MPEP states: ‘The claim or claims must commence on a separate physical sheet or electronic page and should appear after the detailed description of the invention.’ This numbering system ensures clarity and easy reference to specific claims throughout the examination process.

To learn more:

• claim numbering
• patent application
• claim formatting