About claims II - 美國專利法第112條

Claim的語言應該要精確(precise)、合理(logical)與準確(exact)，因為它涉及了專利的範圍，影響以後侵權的判斷，這太重要了！

美國專利法第112條中規範了Claim與說明書的寫法，大約整理如下：

1.說明書(specification)應以完整(full)、清楚(clear)、簡潔(concise)與正確(exact)的名詞敘述如何實施發明的內容，並讓技術人員可以據以實施
2.說明書應揭露最佳實施例(best mode)
3.說明書應能指出該專利的標的(subject matter)
4.應有至少一組獨立項，或可加入一或多個附屬項
5.可以多項附屬項(multiple dependent form)撰寫，但其不能再依附另一多項附屬項
6.Claim可以步驟功能用語（step for）或手段功能用語(means for)表示，而不須以實際的結構或步驟撰寫，但是以這種寫法的範圍則是要參考說明書、圖示與其等效範圍

原文：
SEC. 112 - Specification
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out
his invention.

The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.

A claim may be written in independent or, if the nature of the case admits, in dependent or multiple dependent form.

Subject to the following paragraph, a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.

A claim in multiple dependent form shall contain a reference, in the alternative only, to more than one claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A multiple dependent claim shall not serve as a basis for any other multiple dependent claim. A multiple dependent claim shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the particular claim in relation to which it is being considered.

An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the
specification and equivalents thereof.

Ron