What is required for a specification under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a)?

A specification under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) must indeed include a written description that enables others to make and use the invention. This requirement is fundamental to patent law as it ensures that the invention is sufficiently disclosed to the public. The purpose of this provision is to promote the usefulness of patents by enabling those skilled in the relevant field to understand how to construct and implement the invention without undue experimentation.

This requirement falls within the broader aim of patent law, which is to balance the interests of inventors and the public. By requiring an enabling disclosure, the law ensures that once an inventor is granted a patent, the knowledge of how to utilize the invention becomes accessible, thereby fostering innovation and development in the field.

Moreover, while claims do need to be carefully crafted to ensure adequate protection, the specific requirement under section 112(a) centers on the sufficiency of the description in the specification. Therefore, the focus is on the enabling capability rather than the breadth of claim coverage. This distinction is essential in understanding the legal framework surrounding patent specifications.