The linked claims are called dependent claims. In order to be infringing on a patent, a person or entity must be infringing on every one of the claims that are

The linked claims are called dependent claims. In order to be infringing on a patent, a person or entity must be infringing on every one of the claims that are linked together. Thus, an infringement would need to be on all of claims 1-10, or all of claims 11-20, or all of claims 21-23 for this patent. The claims that refer back to 1, 11, and 21 are included in case claims 1, 11, and 21 are dismissed. Say claim 1 is found invalid, and claim 2 depends on claim 1. If claim 2 is held to be valid and you're found to be infringing claim 2, you're hosed regardless of whether you infringe any other claims besides 2.