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.