The abstract, often supplemented with a technical drawing, makes it possible for anyone interested in the patent to decide whether to read the entire contents of the patent specification.

The abstract is for information only and explains the nature of the invention in question. It is printed on the title page of the patent specification. This allows readers to quickly determine whether the contents of the patent specification is interesting for them or not.
If the patent application contains technical drawings, the abstract should make reference to the drawing that best illustrates the nature of the invention. This technical drawing also appears on the title page of the patent specification.