Claims are arguably the most critical part of a patent application. They define the legal boundaries of the invention. In nanotechnology, where innovations can be highly intricate, claims must be drafted with precision. Important attributes of a good claim include:
- Clarity: Each claim should be clear and unambiguous. - Breadth: The claims should be broad enough to cover the invention and its possible variations but not so broad that they become indefensible. - Specificity: Claims should be specific enough to delineate the invention from prior art.