Why are claims considered an important part of a patent application?

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.

Claims are considered an important part of a patent application because, as stated in MPEP 608.01(k), “This is an important part of the application, as it is the definition of that for which protection is granted.”

In other words, the claims define the scope of the legal protection provided by the patent. They outline the specific elements and features of the invention that are protected from infringement by others. Well-drafted claims are crucial for:

• Clearly defining the boundaries of the invention
• Distinguishing the invention from prior art
• Providing a basis for patent examiners to assess patentability
• Determining the extent of legal protection in potential infringement cases