What Is A Patent Worth? Look To The Claims

A patent provides its owner with a monopoly over an "invention". This can be a powerful right, but many people who are new to the patent system may not understand what this really means. This article explains how the scope of a patent's monopoly is defined – that is, what rights a patent actually provides.

A patent provides an exclusive right (i.e. a monopoly), within the particular country in which the patent is granted, to make, use, or sell the patented invention. The "patented invention" is defined by the "claims" of the patent. Each claim is a precise description of an apparatus, method, system, etc. For example, consider claim #1:

1. A table comprising a flat surface supported by four legs