4. Clarity and interpretation of claims
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  6. Chapter IV
  7. 4. Clarity and interpretation of claims
  8. 4.5 Essential features
  9. 4.5.4 Implicit features
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4.5 Essential features

Overview

4.5.4 Implicit features 

As detailed above, an independent claim must specify explicitly all of the essential features needed to define the invention. This applies except in so far as such features are implied by the generic terms used, e.g. a claim to a "bicycle" does not need to mention the presence of wheels.

In the case of a product claim, if the product is of a well-known kind and the invention lies in modifying it in certain respects, it is sufficient for the claim to clearly identify the product and specify what is modified and in what way. Similar considerations apply to claims for an apparatus.

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