What is the statutory requirement for claims in a patent application?

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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. The statutory requirement for claims in a patent application is outlined in 35 U.S.C. 112 . According to MPEP 608.01(k) , this statute “requires that the specification shall particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or joint inventor regards as his orher invention.” This means that the claims must clearly and precisely define the invention for which protection is sought. The claims are a crucial part of the patent application as they determine the scope of legal protection granted by the patent. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claims Must Particularly Point Out and Distinctly Claim Invention MPEP 608.01(k) Required Claims Must Define Invention for Protection MPEP 608.01(k) Claims Must Particularly Point Out Invention MPEP 2173.05(n) Required Requirement for Design Application Practice MPEP 608 Original Disclosure Requirement for Filing MPEP 608 Permitted Requirement for Full and Clear Disclosure MPEP 608 Claims Must Find Basis in Original Disclosure MPEP 608 Required Written Description Requirement for Invention MPEP 608.01 Required Full and Clear Disclosure Required for Patent MPEP 608 Required No New Matter After Filing Date MPEP 608 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Who is responsible for pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention in a patent application? Why are claims considered an important part of a patent application? What is the relationship between the specification and claims in a patent application? What does it mean to &#8216;particularly point out and distinctly claim&#8217; an invention? Can new terms be introduced in patent claims after the initial filing?