The specification is a written description of the invention, sometimes supplemented by figures or drawings.
Claims are the numbered paragraphs appearing at the end of the patent's specification.
The claims contain the words used by the inventor to describe the invention and define the scope of the patent's protection. As a corollary to this holding, the court noted that because claim interpretation is a matter of law, it is reviewed de novo on appeal. Some have suggested that claim interpretation issues could be determined on a motion for summary judgment. However, if there is genuine dispute as to an issue of fact it could be argued that summary judgment is improper under Fed. A finding of willful infringement can be the basis for awarding treble damages.