What is the difference between breadth and indefiniteness in patent claims?

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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. Breadth and indefiniteness are distinct concepts in patent claims. As stated in MPEP 2173.04 , “ Breadth of a claim is not to be equated with indefiniteness. ” The section further explains: “ A broad claim is not indefinite merely because it encompasses a wide scope of subject matter provided the scope is clearly defined. But a claim is indefinite when the boundaries of the protected subject matter are not clearly delineated and the scope is unclear. “ In other words, a claim can be broad but still definite if its boundaries are clear. Indefiniteness occurs when the scope of the claim is unclear, regardless of its breadth. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claim Breadth Is Not Equated with Indefiniteness MPEP 2173.04 Claim Is Indefinite When Scope Unclear MPEP 2173.04 Breadth Not Indefiniteness If Clearly Defined MPEP 2173.04 Breadth Is Not Indefiniteness for Genus Claims MPEP 2173.04 Claims Must Clearly Define Boundaries MPEP 2173 Required Genus Claim Must Clearly Define Species MPEP 2173.04 Definiteness Requirement for Claims MPEP 2173 Required Claims Must Be Clear and Definite MPEP 2173 Claims Must Particularly Point Out and Distinctly Claim the Invention MPEP 2173 Required Claims Must Particularly Point Out and Distinctly Claim the Invention MPEP 2173 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse When is a broad claim considered indefinite? What statutory provisions address undue breadth in patent claims? How does the USPTO determine if a claim is too broad? When should an examiner make a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for exemplary claim language? How did the 1952 Patent Act affect the Old Combination principle?