What is a characteristic of a Reissue Application related to claims?

In a Reissue Application, a key characteristic is that claims cannot be broader than those in the original patent. This provision is crucial because the reissue process is designed to correct errors in the original patent while maintaining the integrity of the protection offered under the original claims. When a patent owner seeks reissue, the goal is often to fix mistakes that may have been made, such as errors in claim language or scope, but the legal framework ensures that the new claims cannot extend beyond what was originally granted. This restriction helps to prevent the patentee from obtaining an unfair advantage or a broader scope of protection than was originally contemplated in the original patent.

This provision supports the principle of legal certainty and fairness by ensuring that the reissued claims remain within the bounds of what was originally examined and allowed by the patent office, thus protecting the rights of third parties and ensuring that prior art considerations still apply. Other options suggest either an expansion or modification of claims that could undermine the foundational principles governing patent reissue.