Strategies For Writing Patent Claims

Writing a patent application is not as straightforward as it seems. The importance of drafting good claims cannot be overstated for they delineate the boundaries of an invention. Most patent agents and patent attorneys prefer to write claims as broadly as possible without triggering a negative response from the US Patent and Trade Office patent examiner. While a broad claim helps cover more aspects of the invention, though, it can also bring to light a greater range of prior art. Narrow claims are easier to obtain and enforce, but leave room for competitors to move in by making only minor modifications to the invention.