# Claims Template

*PatentJuris Template — this is a PatentJuris-created working document and
is not an official form of any patent office. Claim drafting materially
affects the scope of protection; have final claims reviewed by a qualified
patent attorney or agent before filing.*

## Independent Claim 1 (broadest)

> A [device / method / system] comprising:
> a) [first essential element];
> b) [second essential element];
> c) [how the elements relate to or interact with each other],
> wherein [the key inventive feature that distinguishes this from prior art].

## Dependent Claims

Each dependent claim should narrow claim 1 by adding one specific,
meaningful limitation — not simply restate it in other words.

> **Claim 2.** The [device / method] of claim 1, wherein [additional
> limitation].
>
> **Claim 3.** The [device / method] of claim 1, further comprising
> [additional element].

## Drafting checklist

- [ ] Claim 1 covers the invention as broadly as the prior art allows.
- [ ] Every element in claim 1 is actually necessary — no unnecessary
      limitations that narrow scope for no reason.
- [ ] Dependent claims each add a distinct, meaningful limitation.
- [ ] Terminology is consistent with the specification (same term for the
      same thing throughout).
- [ ] No claim depends on a later-numbered claim.