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Guidelines for Examination

 
 
Table of Contents - Guidelines for Examination
Part F The European Patent Application
Chapter IV – Claims (Art. 84 and formal requirements)
4. Clarity and interpretation of claims
4.
Clarity and interpretation of claims 
4.1 Clarity
4.2 Interpretation
4.3 Inconsistencies
4.4 General statements, "spirit" of invention
4.5 Essential features
4.6 Relative terms
4.7 Terms like "about" and "approximately"
4.8 Trademarks
4.9 Optional features
4.10 Result to be achieved
4.11 Parameters
4.12 Product-by-process claim
4.13 "Apparatus for ...", "Method for ...", etc.
4.14 Definition by reference to use or another entity
4.15 The expression "in"
4.16 Use claims
4.17 References to the description or drawings
4.18 Method of and means for measuring parameters referred to in claims
4.19 Reference signs
4.20 Negative limitations (e.g. disclaimers)
4.21 "Comprising" vs. "consisting"
4.22 Functional definition of a pathological condition
4.23 Broad claims
4.24 Order of claims