What are the two requirements for claims under 35 U.S.C. 112(b)?

According to MPEP 2171, there are two separate requirements set forth in 35 U.S.C. 112(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph:

1. Subjective Requirement: The claims must set forth the subject matter that the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
2. Objective Requirement: The claims must particularly point out and distinctly define the metes and bounds of the subject matter to be protected by the patent grant.

The MPEP states: Two separate requirements are set forth in 35 U.S.C. 112(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph, namely that: (A) the claims must set forth the subject matter that the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention; and (B) the claims must particularly point out and distinctly define the metes and bounds of the subject matter to be protected by the patent grant.

To learn more:

• 35 U.S.C. 112(b)
• claim requirements
• patent claims
• claim definiteness
• patent examination