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Patent Claims: what they are, why they matter, and how they are structured

Patent claims are the backbone of any patent. They define the exact boundaries of your invention and determine how much legal protection you enjoy. In this guide—Part 1 of our two-part series—we explore the importance of claims, their types, and how they are structured. We also discuss practical tips for strengthening claims, common mistakes to avoid, and how claims are examined and interpreted by patent offices and courts. In Part 2, we will dive deeper into how to draft strong, precise, and commercially valuable claims. Whether you are an inventor, entrepreneur, or patent professional, this article will help you understand how to make your claims precise, enforceable, and aligned with your business goals.