What are the requirements for claim numbering in patent applications?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. According to MPEP 608.01(m) , claims in patent applications must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals. 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. Any sheet including a claim or portion of a claim may not contain any other parts of the application or other material. Though a claim may be presented on a separate sheet, such is not required.’ Additionally: Claims should be arranged in order of scope, with the broadest claim presented first. Claim numbers should be placed to the left of the claim text. When claims are canceled, the remaining claims should not be renumbered. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claims Must Appear After Description MPEP 608.01(m) Required Claims Must Be Separated From Other Material MPEP 608.01(m) Prohibited Dependent Claims Should Be Grouped With Referenced Claims MPEP 608.01(m) Recommended Product and Process Claims Should Be Separately Grouped MPEP 608.01(m) Recommended Amendments to Claims Must Comply with 37 CFR 1.121(c) MPEP 608.01(m) Required Claims Must Be Ordered by Scope MPEP 608.01(m) Recommended Claims Must Find Basis in Original Disclosure MPEP 608 Required Claims Must Begin with 'I/we Claim' MPEP 608.01(m) Claims Must Indent Each Element MPEP 608.01(m) Recommended Claims Must Vary From Broadest to Most Detailed MPEP 608.01(m) Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the proper format for a multiple dependent claim? Can a claim refer to figures or tables in the specification? How should claims be numbered in a patent application? How should multiple dependent claims be ...