What role do glossaries play in ensuring adequate definition of claim terms?

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.

Glossaries play a crucial role in ensuring adequate definition of claim terms in patent applications. The MPEP 2173.03 specifically mentions the importance of glossaries:

“Glossaries of terms used in the claims are a helpful device for ensuring adequate definition of terms used in claims.”

Glossaries serve several important functions:

• They provide clear definitions for claim terms
• They help establish antecedent basis in the specification
• They assist examiners and the public in understanding the claimed invention
• They can help prevent rejections based on indefiniteness

By including a glossary in the specification, inventors can proactively define their terms, reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation or disputes over claim scope during examination or potential litigation.