Is the terminology "Or" acceptable in patent claims?

The terminology "or" is indeed acceptable in patent claims because it serves to express alternative embodiments or options within a claim. When used appropriately, "or" indicates that either one or the other of the listed features or elements may be present, thus allowing for flexibility and broader coverage of the invention in the claims. This can be beneficial in protecting variations or alternatives that may not be explicitly detailed in the claim's language, which can enhance the scope of patent protection.

For example, in a claim stating "a device comprising A or B," it is clear that the device can be made with either element A or element B, thereby covering multiple configurations and applications of the invention. This is a critical aspect of patent drafting, as it enables inventors to claim a broader range of inventions and provides clearer guidance on the scope of protection sought.

In contrast, considerations about vagueness or the necessity to qualify the use of "or" generally arise in discussions about clarity and definiteness in claims, where specificity can sometimes aid in ensuring that the claims do not encompass unintended interpretations. However, when used correctly, "or" acts as a useful tool in defining the scope of a claim.