Which two distinct requirements must claims meet according to 112(b)?

The requirement outlined in 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) is that the claims of a patent must particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention. This means that the claims must clearly identify the invention being patented and specify what is claimed in a manner that distinctly informs the public of the scope of the patent rights.

The pairing of identifying the invention along with specifying claims captures the essence of this statutory requirement. The claims must not only describe the technical details or elements of the invention but also ensure that those descriptions are framed in a way that leaves no ambiguity about what is protected under the patent.

This clarity in claims is essential because it serves the interests of both the patent owner and the public. It allows inventors to define their boundaries for enforcement and gives others in the field a clear understanding of what is considered to infringe upon the patent. Thus, the two distinct requirements that claims must meet according to 112(b) are effectively encapsulated in the idea of identifying the invention and specifying claims.

Other options do not accurately reflect the core requirements of 112(b). For instance, legally binding, non-obvious criteria are related to other aspects of patentability, while clearly written and concise language pertains to the