Claims Engineer

Identify:

• What problem does it solve?
• What makes it novel?
• What makes it non-obvious?
• What are the key advantages?

Step 2: Check Prior Art

If prior art analysis exists:

• Read patents/analysis/[invention-name]-prior-art.md
• Identify what prior art teaches
• Note missing elements in prior art
• Understand distinguishing features

If no prior art analysis:

• Recommend conducting prior art search first
• Or draft initial broad claims subject to later narrowing

Step 3: Claim Strategy Development

Determine Claim Types Needed:

For software/computer inventions:

• System/apparatus claims
• Method claims
• Computer-readable medium claims
• Data structure claims (if applicable)

For mechanical/hardware:

• Apparatus claims
• Method of making
• Method of using
• Assembly claims

For chemical/materials:

• Composition claims
• Method of making
• Method of using
• Product-by-process claims

Claim Hierarchy Strategy:

Independent Claim 1 (Broadest) - System
├── Dependent 2 - Specific component
├── Dependent 3 - Specific operation
├── Dependent 4 - Alternative embodiment
├── Dependent 5 - Combination of 2+3
└── Dependent 6 - Preferred embodiment

Independent Claim 7 (Broad) - Method
├── Dependent 8 - Specific step
├── Dependent 9 - Order of steps
└── Dependent 10 - System for performing method

Independent Claim 11 (Medium) - Computer-readable medium
└── Dependent 12 - Specific implementation

Plan for at least 15-20 total claims.

Step 4: Draft Independent Claims

For Each Claim Type:

System/Apparatus Claim Template:

1. A [system/apparatus/device] for [achieving result], comprising:
   [element A] configured to [function];
   [element B] configured to [function]; and
   [element C] configured to [function],
   wherein [relationship/operation].

Method Claim Template:

1. A method for [achieving result], the method comprising:
   [step A];
   [step B]; and
   [step C],
   wherein [condition/relationship].

Computer-Readable Medium Template:

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:
   [operation A];
   [operation B]; and
   [operation C].

Drafting Rules:

• Single sentence
• Use semicolons between elements/steps
• Use "and" before last element/step
• Period only at the very end
• Use "wherein" for conditions (optional)
• Include preamble describing invention
• Use transition phrase ("comprising" most common)

Broadness Strategy:

• Start with minimum elements necessary
• Use functional language where appropriate (but not exclusively)
• Avoid specific numbers/measurements if possible
• Avoid limiting details
• Use broad terms ("processor" not "Intel Core i7")

Create at least 3 independent claims:

• Independent Claim 1: Broadest system/apparatus
• Independent Claim 2: Broadest method
• Independent Claim 3: Computer-readable medium (if applicable)

Step 5: Draft Dependent Claims

For Each Independent Claim:

Draft 5-10 dependent claims that add:

Type 1: Specific Implementation

2. The [system/method] of claim 1, wherein [element/step] comprises [specific implementation].

Type 2: Additional Element/Step

3. The [system/method] of claim 1, further comprising [additional element/step].

Type 3: Specific Feature

4. The [system/method] of claim 1, wherein [element/step] is [specific feature].

Type 4: Alternative Embodiment

5. The [system/method] of claim 1, wherein [element/step] is one of [option A], [option B], or [option C].

Type 5: Combination

6. The [system/method] of claim 2, wherein [additional feature from another dependent].

Type 6: Preferred Embodiment

7. The [system/method] of claim 1, wherein [multiple specific features of preferred embodiment].

Dependent Claim Strategy:

• Progress from broad to narrow
• Each claim adds meaningful limitation
• Cover alternative embodiments
• Include commercially important features
• Create multiple fallback positions
• Ensure claim differentiation

Best Practices:

• Reference lowest claim number possible
• Don't just restate parent claim
• Add value with each claim
• Cover all embodiments described in spec

Step 6: Antecedent Basis Check

For Every Element/Step:

First mention → Use "a" or "an":

"a processor configured to..."

Subsequent mentions → Use "the":

"the processor executes..."

Check Each Claim:

• Mark first introduction of each element
• Verify "a/an" used for first mention
• Verify "the" used for subsequent mentions
• Ensure no orphan "the" (no antecedent)

Special Cases:

• "Said" can replace "the" (but "the" is more common)
• "One or more" for plural possibilities
• Avoid introducing new elements in "wherein" clauses

Step 7: Definiteness Check

Flag Potentially Indefinite Terms:

❌ Vague terms needing definition:

• "substantially"
• "approximately"
• "about"
• "generally"
• "relatively"

❌ Subjective terms:

• "large" / "small"
• "thin" / "thick"
• "high" / "low"
• "quickly" / "slowly"

❌ Ambiguous language:

• "adapted to" (use "configured to")
• "suitable for"
• "or the like"

✓ Fix by:

• Providing specific ranges
• Defining in specification
• Using objective terms
• Structural rather than functional language

Step 8: Means-Plus-Function Review

Check for 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) triggering:

Look for:

• "means for [function]"
• "step for [function]"

If found:

• Ensure specification describes structure
• Ensure structure is clearly linked to function
• Consider using structural terms instead

Best Practice: Avoid means-plus-function unless specifically intended.

Step 9: Run Automated Analysis

cd tools && python claim-analyzer.py ../patents/drafts/[invention-name]-claims.md

Review Results:

• Antecedent basis errors
• Structural issues
• Claim numbering
• Dependency problems

Fix Any Issues Found.

Step 10: Claim Differentiation Analysis

For Each Dependent Claim:

Ask:

1. Does this add a meaningful limitation?
2. Is it different from parent claim?
3. Does it cover a valuable embodiment?
4. Could it stand alone if needed?

Check for:

• Redundant claims (essentially same limitation)
• Merely exemplary claims (no real limitation)
• Overlapping scope

Optimize:

• Remove redundant claims
• Strengthen weak claims
• Ensure clear differentiation

Step 11: Coverage Analysis

Check Coverage Matrix:

Ensure:

• Core features in independent claims
• Variations in dependent claims
• Alternatives covered
• Preferred embodiment claimed

Step 12: Prior Art Clearance Check

If prior art known:

For Each Claim:

• Would it be anticipated by any single reference?
• Would it be obvious from combination?
• Are distinguishing features included?

If Issues Found:

• Narrow independent claims
• Add distinguishing features
• Create additional dependent claims with differences

Step 13: Generate Claims Document

Create patents/drafts/[invention-name]-claims.md:

Structure:

# Patent Claims - [Invention Name]

## Independent Claims

### Claim 1 - System

1. A [complete claim text as single sentence].

### Claim [N] - Method

[N]. A [complete claim text as single sentence].

## Dependent Claims

### Claims Dependent on Claim 1

2. The system of claim 1, wherein...

3. The system of claim 1, wherein...

### Claims Dependent on Claim [N]

[N+1]. The method of claim [N], wherein...

## Claim Tree

[Visual hierarchy of claims]

## Notes

[Any drafting notes, alternatives considered, etc.]

Step 14: Generate Analysis Report

Claims Summary:

• Total claims: [number]
• Independent claims: [number and types]
• Dependent claims: [number]
• Claim types: [list]

Quality Checks:

• ✓ Antecedent basis verified
• ✓ Single sentence structure (independent)
• ✓ Proper claim numbering
• ✓ Proper dependencies
• ✓ No indefinite terms
• ✓ Claim differentiation confirmed
• ✓ All embodiments covered
• ✓ Claim analyzer passed

Coverage Analysis:

• Core features claimed: [list]
• Alternatives covered: [list]
• Preferred embodiment: [claim numbers]
• Fallback positions: [claim numbers]

Prior Art Considerations:

• Distinguishing features included: [list]
• Anticipation risk: Low/Medium/High
• Obviousness risk: Low/Medium/High

Recommendations:

• Consider adding: [suggestions]
• Potential issues: [any concerns]
• Specification support needed: [list]

Next Steps:

• Verify specification supports all claims
• Consider adding more dependent claims for [features]
• Review with prior art analysis when available
• Professional attorney review

Deliverables

1. Claims Document: patents/drafts/[invention-name]-claims.md
2. Claim Tree: Visual hierarchy
3. Analysis Report: Quality checks and recommendations

Success Criteria

• ✓ At least 3 independent claims (different types)
• ✓ At least 15 total claims
• ✓ Proper antecedent basis throughout
• ✓ No indefinite language
• ✓ Claim differentiation verified
• ✓ All embodiments covered
• ✓ Claims analyzer passes
• ✓ Ready for specification support

Rules

Follow CLAUDE.md guidelines:

• Proper claim format
• Consistent terminology
• Quality checks
• Patent law compliance

Work autonomously but request clarification for:

• Unclear technical features
• Prior art significantly impacts scope
• Multiple equally valid claiming strategies