What does the term "metes and bounds" refer to in patent Claims?

The term "metes and bounds" in the context of patent claims typically refers to the specific details of what the claim covers. It is a term derived from land surveying, where it signifies the boundaries and exact dimensions of a specific parcel of land. In patent law, this analogy is used to describe how claims define the scope of the invention by specifying the precise elements and limitations that characterize it. This helps to delineate what is included within the claim and serves as a foundational aspect of determining patent infringement and validity.

In patent claims, this specificity is crucial because it ensures that the scope of the claims is clear both to the applicant and to others who may be reading the patent. It protects the inventor's rights by providing a defined area of intellectual property that can be enforced against unauthorized use by others.

The other options touch on related concepts but do not accurately reflect the particular meaning of "metes and bounds" in this context. For example, while boundaries of property and geographical scope are relevant in understanding patent claims broadly, the term specifically emphasizes the detailed articulation of the claims themselves. Limitations imposed by prior art are relevant to the examination process but are not aligned with the proprietary definition provided by metes and bounds as it pertains directly to the characteristics of