independent claim

2 topics · 3 sources

Patent

A patent claim that stands alone in that it does not depend from (contain the limitiations of) any other claim. MPEP 608.01(m).

Robert M. Hunter, Ph.D. — Glossary of Patent Terms

This is a claim that stands by itself and must be so read in terms of infringement and validity evaluations. This is contrasted with a dependent claim.

Arnold Silverman and George Stacey — Understanding "Patentese" - A Patent Glossary

Law

Intellectual Property

a claim that does not refer back to or depend on another claim.

USPTO — United States Patent and Trademark Office Glossary