Can limitations and examples in the Specification restrict the coverage possible by Claims?

The correct answer is that limitations and examples in the Specification can indeed restrict the coverage possible by Claims. This is particularly important because the Specification serves to provide a written description of the invention, which must enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The claims, in contrast, define the scope of legal protection granted.

When limitations and examples are included in the Specification, they can effectively narrow the interpretation of the claims. For instance, if the Specification provides specific examples or limits the scope of certain claims to specific embodiments, this can lead to a situation where broader interpretations that extend beyond those examples may not be supportable. Thus, the claims may not cover all possible implementations or variations of the invention, as the examiner and courts interpret them in light of the Specification.

Furthermore, an inadequate enablement due to overly restrictive limitations can result in a rejection of the patent application for failing to meet the statutory requirement of enabling disclosure. This emphasizes how the content and wording of the Specification can significantly impact the potential enforceability and scope of the claims in a patent application.

The other choices may misrepresent the relationship between the Specification and the Claims, either underestimating or overestimating their roles in defining the scope of the invention.