What is created when clear language is used in a patent but can have more than one interpretation?

When clear language is used in a patent but can have more than one interpretation, it exemplifies latent ambiguity. In this context, latent ambiguity refers to situations where the language appears clear on the surface, yet its interpretation can lead to multiple understandings due to underlying factors or context that are not immediately evident. This concept is significant in patent law because ambiguity can affect the enforceability and scope of a patent; if a term can be construed in different ways, it may lead to disputes about what is covered by the patent.

The other concepts such as patent ambiguity, structural ambiguity, and implicit ambiguity do address different aspects of clarity in language but do not specifically capture the phenomenon of a seemingly clear statement yielding multiple interpretations due to the context in which it is presented. Latent ambiguity directly relates to how clear terms can still lead to confusion, emphasizing the necessity for precision in patent drafting to reduce legal uncertainties.