In a recent posting on Patently-O, I asked for advice on whether it is a better practice to use a generic preamble (e.g., "A method comprising") versus a more detailed preamble (e.g., "A method for content selection of digital media stored in a memory…., the method comprising"). Ron Slusky has provided his suggestions in this guest post. Ron's two-day seminar based on his book Invention Analysis and Claiming: A Patent Lawyer's Guide is being offered in Philadelphia on November 16-17.
By Ron Slusky
Any extra word in a claim "can and will be used against you in a court of law." Thus on the one hand, recitations in a detailed preamble may unduly limit the claim in unintended ways. By contrast, a generic preamble can never get you in trouble in that regard.
To continue reading, become a Patently-O member. Already a member? Simply log in to access the full post.