|
The
abstract is a short summary of your invention. It is a condensed version
of your patent where you abstract, or take out the essence of your invention.
Abstracts are used primarily for
searching patents. They should be written in a way to make the invention
easily understood by those with a background in the field. The reader should
quickly be able to get a sense of the nature of the invention so that they
can decide whether they need to read the rest of the patent.
The abstract describes your invention
and says how it can be used, but does not discuss the scope of your claims.
To write your abstract:
-
Give the page a title such as "Abstract"
or "Abstract of the Specification" for the CIPO. For the USPTO use "Abstract
of the Disclosure."
-
Say what your invention is.
-
Say what your invention is used for.
-
Describe the main components and how
they work.
-
Dont refer to any claims, drawings
or other elements of your application. Since your abstract may be read
on its own the reader will not understand references to other parts of
your application.
It may take you a couple of tries to
fit your summary into 150 words or less for the CIPO and for the USPTO.
Read it over a few times to eliminate unnecessary words and jargon. Try
to avoid removing the articles such as a, an or the as this can make
the abstract difficult to read.
Here are two examples of abstracts.
One is from a patent for a collapsible
tent frame and the other is from a patent for an electrical
connector.
Suggested
reading > How
To File a Utilty Patent Application
The source of this information on
writing patent abstracts came from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office
or CIPO. The tips would also be helpful for patent applications to the
USPTO or WIPO. The CIPO is in no way affiliated with Primedia/About.
|
| 