Browsing claims


ClaimMaster lets you quickly browse the hierarchical tree of the claims present in the open Word document. You can also sort the claim tree based on various criteria, such as claim status identifiers or number of dependent claims.

 

Getting Started

To launch the claim browser, perform the following steps:


  • In Word 2007 or later - from the ClaimMaster Ribbon, click on the Navigation Tools -> View Claim Tree menu, then Browse Claim Tree:


 


  • In Word 2003 or earlier - from the ClaimMaster toolbar, click on the  Visualize Claim Tree menu, then View Claim Tree:

 


Feature Options

Clicking the above button will launch a claim browser.  The claim browser will be "docked" to the left side of your Word document when it launches, unless automatic docking of ClaimMaster windows is disabled in ClaimMaster's Preferences. Initially, the claim browser shows the hierarchical claim tree, but you can sort the tree based on other criteria.

 

The following options are available from the claim tree window:



    1. You can select between different views for analyzing the claim set. To do so, select the desired "Sort by" entry from the pull-down menu. The following sort options are available: 
      • Hierarchy – shows the hierarchical dependencies between independent and dependent claims
      • Similar Limitations – identifies claims with similar limitations
      • Number of Dependents – shows hierarchical view as well as the number of dependents for each claim
      • Claim Class – organizes claims by claim classes (see below)
      • Amendment Type – organizes claims by their status indicators.
    1. Use +/- zoom buttons to increase or decrease the zoom of the claim browser. This may help when the claim tree is too long to fit a single screen.
    2. Claim class/type annotates a statutory class of independent claim. You can set individual colors for each claim type using claim color settings. The following statutory types are currently supported: 
      • method/process
      • apparatus/device
      • composition
      • article of manufacture
      • means-plus-function
      • product-by-process
      • Jepson


Each claim can also be annotated with a claim status indicator, if one is specified for the claim: 

      • [X] – canceled
      • [O] – original
      • [PP] – previously presented
      • [W]- withdrawn
      • [CA] – currently amended
      • [WA]- withdrawn and amended
      • [N] – new
    1. Claims with invalid dependencies are shown separately, under the "Claims with Invalid Parents" section.
    2. This button launches a dialog that allows you to set colors for different types of statutory claim classes.