claims construction

Claims construction is the process used in patent law to interpret the language and terms of a patent's claims, which define the invention's scope. When a legal dispute arises, courts analyze the wording to determine what the inventor intended and how broad or narrow their protections are. This step is crucial because it influences what others can or cannot do without infringing on the patent. Essentially, it helps clarify the rights of the patent holder and ensures that others understand what the invention covers.