What are the requirements for dependent claims in patent applications?
Dependent claims in patent applications must meet specific requirements as outlined in MPEP 608.01(i):
- They must refer back to and further limit another claim or claims.
- They must include all limitations of the claim to which they refer.
- They must be more specific than the claim upon which they depend.
The MPEP states: ‘A claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed.’ This ensures that dependent claims properly narrow the scope of the invention and provide additional protection for specific embodiments.
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Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure