Legal Definitions - body of a claim

Definition: The body of a claim refers to the part of a patent claim that describes the specific elements or steps of an invention. It comes after the preamble and transition phrase. In a combination claim, the body of a claim outlines the components of a patentable combination.

Example: Let's say someone invents a new type of bicycle that has a motor and can be folded up for easy storage. The body of their patent claim might read:

A bicycle comprising:
- a frame
- a motor
- a folding mechanism
- a seat
- a set of wheels

This example illustrates how the body of a claim defines the specific components of an invention. In this case, the inventor is claiming that their bicycle includes a frame, motor, folding mechanism, seat, and wheels.