Legal Definitions - body of a claim

The body of a claim in patent law refers to the central, most critical section of a patent claim. It is where the inventor precisely describes the specific components, features, or steps that constitute their invention. This part of the claim meticulously details *what* the invention is and *how* it functions, thereby defining the exact scope of legal protection the patent owner will receive. It follows an introductory statement (the preamble) and a linking phrase (the transition phrase), and it lists the essential elements or actions that distinguish the invention from existing technologies.

• Example 1: A New Type of Ergonomic Office Chair

  Imagine an inventor has developed a novel ergonomic office chair designed to significantly reduce back strain. The body of the claim for this invention would meticulously list and describe its unique components and their interactions. This might include:

  • A seat pan with a specific, dynamic contour that adjusts to the user's pelvic tilt.
  • A multi-segment backrest featuring independently adjustable lumbar and thoracic support zones.
  • Armrests that not only pivot and adjust in height but also include a pressure-sensitive padding system.
  • A synchronized tilt mechanism that allows the seat and backrest to move in a specific ratio, maintaining constant support.

  Each of these detailed components, with their particular characteristics and functionalities, forms the "body of the claim" for the chair. It clearly defines the specific combination of elements that the inventor is claiming as their unique invention, distinguishing it from other chairs.

• Example 2: A Novel Water Purification Method

  Consider an inventor who has devised a new, highly efficient method for purifying drinking water. The body of the claim for this process invention would outline the precise sequence of steps involved. For instance, it might describe:

  • A first step of passing raw water through a specialized ceramic membrane filter to remove large particulates.
  • A subsequent step of introducing the filtered water into a chamber containing a proprietary blend of activated carbon and ion-exchange resins.
  • A further step of exposing the water to a specific wavelength and duration of ultraviolet-C (UVC) light for microbial disinfection.
  • A final step of re-mineralizing the purified water by passing it over a bed of natural mineral stones.

  The exact order and nature of these distinct purification steps, as detailed, constitute the "body of the claim." This section precisely defines the protected process, ensuring that anyone using this specific sequence of steps would be infringing on the patent.

• Example 3: A Unique Content Recommendation Algorithm

  An inventor develops a new software algorithm for a streaming service that provides highly personalized content recommendations. The body of the claim for this software-based invention would detail the computational steps and logical operations involved. This could include:

  • A step of collecting user interaction data, including viewing history, ratings, and search queries.
  • A step of analyzing said data using a deep learning model to identify latent user preferences and behavioral patterns.
  • A step of comparing these identified preferences with a comprehensive content database, categorizing content by genre, themes, and emotional impact.
  • A step of generating a ranked list of recommended content by applying a dynamic weighting function that prioritizes novelty and diversity alongside relevance.
  • A step of presenting the ranked list within a customizable user interface, allowing for real-time feedback.

  These distinct computational steps and their specific interactions, as described in the "body of the claim," define the functional scope of the algorithm. This ensures that the patent protects the unique method by which the software generates its recommendations.