Don't use "can" or "may" in claims unless you're very careful. They can be interpreted as optional language which has no patentable weight.Patent ClaimMaster is a software tool for automating patent proofreading, patent drafting, office action shell generation, and patent downloading. This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. You're definitely going to need to talk to a patent attorney. ❖ Can use device and method claims to cover software inventions. ❖ Can also use specialized claim formats to provide an additional scope of protection. In exchange for publishing detailed information about an invention, a patent owner has the right to exclude others from using that invention for the life of the. However, you are not required to file claims in a provisional patent application. This means you need a complete description of the invention.