Claim construction, Interpretation, Clarity, Amendments, Scope of protection, EPC, Opposition

Proper claim construction is essential for a correct assessment of patent claims. A claim construction that disregards a technically meaningful claim feature is not a good-faith interpretation. Rather, the skilled person, approaching the claim with a mind willing to understand, gives each claim feature a technically meaningful significance. If a claim amended during opposition proceedings allows for several technically meaningful interpretations, it must also be ensured that the scope of protection is not extended under any of these interpretations within the meaning of Article 123(3) EPC. (EPO-BoA 08.12.2025, T 837/24)