What are the parts of a Patent Application?

Patent Applications are long detailed documents. What are the different parts of patent applications?

Learn what a background section, a specification section, claims section, and figures are used for patent applications.

A patent attorney for small businesses and start-ups.

Devin Miller (IP Attorney)

Electrical Engineer

Lawyer

Small business owner

Figures, Background, Specification, Claims

Each part of a patent applications serves a different purpose. When the parts are combined, all the parts make up a patent application that protect your invention.

Figures

The figures of a patent application illustrate the details of your invention. They show all the details of your invention so that another person can understand what your invention is. The figures include reference numbers to identify the parts of your invention that are discussed in detail in the specification.

Figures section of a patent application.
Summary of a patent application.

Background

The background of a patent application describes the problem you are trying to solve or the technology you are trying to improve. It sets the stage to help an Examiner understand why your invention is unique and different than what is already out there.

Specification

The specification describes in detail all the parts of your invention. It teaches an Examiner how your invention is built or how it works. The specification also includes several different variations or embodiments of your invention so that competitors cannot simply design around your invention.

Specification of a patent application.
Claims section of a patent attorney.

Claims

The claims are the heart of a patent. The claims define the limits of exactly what a patent does and does not cover. It is a list of the features of your invention that are necessary to build or use your invention.

Our Products

Flat Fee Pricing - Straightforward for Patents and Trademarks


Provisional Patent Application

$1700

Non-Provisional Patent Application

$5500

Trademark Application

$750


← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment

Beyond the Prototype: A Startup’s Path to Patents

RSS
Sketch, Snap, Submit: What Your Patent Attorney Really Wants to See

Sketch, Snap, Submit: What Your Patent Attorney Really Wants to See

Patent attorneys aren’t art critics, but they do care about clarity. Learn what kinds of sketches, photos, and diagrams you should (and shouldn’t) submit when...

Read more
Independents vs. Dependents: Patent Claims Having an Identity Crisis

Independents vs. Dependents: Patent Claims Having an Identity Crisis

Independent and dependent claims are the Batman and Robin of your patent. One goes solo; the other adds flair. Learn how these dynamic claims define...

Read more