How do "claims" and "specification" differ in a patent application?

In a patent application, claims and specification serve distinct but complementary purposes. The claims are critical because they define the bounds of the patent's legal protection. They articulate the specific aspects of the invention that the applicant seeks to secure rights over, thereby delineating the scope and limits of the invention from prior art. This clarity is essential for both the applicant and others in the field, as it informs them about what is protected by the patent.

On the other hand, the specification provides a comprehensive description of the invention itself. This includes details on how the invention works, its advantages, and specific embodiments. The specification must clearly convey enough information that someone skilled in the art can understand how to make and use the invention, fulfilling the requirement for enabling disclosure.

Thus, the correct choice captures the essence of these two components: claims define the legal scope of protection while the specification describes the invention in detail.