Claims
Claims are the part of the patent record that defines the boundaries of
patent protection. This is the portion of the patent that outlines the
unique features of the invention. Claims consist of a series of numbered
statements that clearly state what the inventor feels to be his or her
inventions unique features. Not all of the claims outlined by the
inventor may be allowed by the patent office. Claims must be demonstrated
to the patent office.
Only the claims that have been outlined by the inventor
are protected by the patent. If the invention has another use or function
that has not been defined by the patent application, the invention can be
legally used by anyone for this purpose. Therefore, it is important to
clearly define the function and uses of an invention in the patent
application.
Claims that have not been included in the detailed
description are rejected by the patent examiner. Also, inventors cannot
reapply for additional claims on their patents. This is where the patent
agent is especially useful to assist the inventor in clearly defining the
functions and uses of an invention.
[<<back]
Copyright © 2003
Heritage Community Foundation All Rights Reserved
|