Which of the following terms indicates an inclusive claim format?

The term that indicates an inclusive claim format is "comprising." In patent law, a claim that uses the term "comprising" is interpreted to include the elements listed in the claim but also any additional elements that might be added. This means that the invention can incorporate other features beyond those specifically recited in the claim, thereby broadening the scope of protection.

For example, in a claim for a chemical composition that "comprises" certain ingredients, it implies that the composition can contain other ingredients as well. This inclusive nature allows for a wider range of potential variations of the invention while still falling under the protection of the claimed invention.

The alternative terms do not share this inclusive characteristic. "Consisting" is a term that indicates an exclusive claim format, meaning that the claim is limited only to the elements specifically mentioned without allowing for any additional components. Independent and dependent claims, on the other hand, refer to different types of claim structures within a patent application rather than indicating inclusivity or exclusivity. Hence, "comprising" is the correct choice for an inclusive claim format.