What principle is required for petitioners in a derivation proceeding regarding the claim terms?

In a derivation proceeding, petitioners are required to provide definitions for all claim terms to ensure clarity and establish the context in which those terms are used. This is particularly important because derivation proceedings are concerned with determining whether the claimed invention is derived from another's work. Therefore, having clear definitions helps adjudicators understand the specifics of the claims at issue and ensures that all parties are addressing the same terms in the same manner.

Comprehensive definitions allow the petitioner to effectively articulate how their claims differ from or are related to the prior art, including the claims of the alleged prior inventor. Providing definitions for all claim terms eliminates ambiguity and helps to prevent misunderstandings that could influence the outcome of the proceeding. This emphasis on clarity and thoroughness underlines the importance of precision in patent law, particularly in legal contests over ownership and inventorship.