What are the two key requirements outlined in the second paragraph of 112?

The two key requirements outlined in the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. § 112 emphasize the necessity for claims to clearly identify the invention and to precisely define its limits. This ensures that the scope of protection conferred by the patent is appropriately delineated, providing both the inventor and the public with a clear understanding of what is covered by the patent. This clarity is vital for determining infringement issues and for enabling others to innovate around the patented invention.

Effective patent claims should be constructed in a manner that articulates what the invention is and sets out the boundaries of what the patent protects. This aligns with the broader principles of patent law, which aim to balance the interests of inventors in protecting their innovations with the need to foster public knowledge and further technological advancement.

The other options do not align with the fundamental requirements set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 112. While simplicity and ease of understanding may be desirable traits, they do not constitute the formal requirements of the statute. Similarly, summarizing the specification or referencing prior patents and disclosing the best mode are not central to the claim-defining function of the patent claims as outlined in this provision.