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Claim Dependency Issues in N-Spec

When N-Spec reports claim dependency issues, these typically fall into three specific categories:

1. Self-Referential Dependencies

This occurs when N-Spec detects that a claim appears to depend from itself. For example, if Claim 2 contains language suggesting it depends from Claim 2, N-Spec will flag this as an error since a claim cannot depend from itself.

2. Invalid Claim References

N-Spec will flag two types of invalid claim references:

  • Dependencies referencing claims with numbers less than 1
  • Dependencies referencing claim numbers higher than the total number of claims in the application

3. Circular Dependencies

N-Spec checks for circular dependency chains where claims form a loop. For example, if Claim 1 depends on Claim 2, while Claim 2 depends on Claim 1, this creates an invalid circular dependency.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • If N-Spec reports unexpected dependency issues, first verify your claims section is properly identified with a standard header (e.g., "CLAIMS:")
  • Check that claim numbering is explicit rather than using Word's automatic numbering
  • Verify that claim dependencies use standard U.S. patent practice formatting
  • Ensure your claims each end with a period, and preferably are separated from each other by one or more blank lines.

Note: When N-Spec detects serious dependency issues, it may disable certain features like antecedent basis checking and literal support analysis until the dependency issues are resolved.