The
claims (PDF 0.05
MB), which follow the description, define the scope of the invention
and the legal protection conferred by the patent when granted.
The
claims must define the matter for which protection is sought in terms
of its technical features. They must be clear and concise and be
supported by the description.
There are two kinds of claim,
independent and dependent. An independent claim defines an embodiment
of an invention, comprising all its essential features. Dependent
claims define further embodiments further characterised by desirable,
but non-essential, features or components. These claims are dependent
on the independent claim that gives the basic invention.
Claims
must not speculate on the perceived advantages of the invention, but
restrict themselves to embodiments and technical features. The
advantages of the invention may be outlined in the description.
The
specification may contain independent claims in different categories,
e.g., for each of a product, the process for making that product, and
specially adapted apparatus used in that process. However, all the
independent claims must relate to the same basic inventive concept to
ensure unity of invention.
If there are several claims, they should be numbered consecutively.
If the claims are not filed with the application they
must be filed within 12 months of the filing date or if priority has been claimed within 12 months of the priority date.