2.11.5.2 One Sentence

Date Published

A claim will usually consist of one sentence. In Leonard's Application (1966) RPC 269 it was stated that although one sentence claims are highly desirable, this may not be enforceable in all instances. A claim in the form of disjunctive sentences was held to be ambiguous and not allowable, however an amended claim in nine sentences was ultimately allowed.

Claims consisting of more than one sentence are allowable, provided it is clear from the wording of the claim that all the features of all the sentences must be read in combination.

Single sentence claims comprising a number of separate and distinct paragraphs, where each paragraph may be identified by a letter of the alphabet, by a numeral or by the manner in which it is set out, are not objectionable.