MPEP 2181 - Identifying and Interpreting a 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth ... скачать в хорошем качестве

MPEP 2181 - Identifying and Interpreting a 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth ...

MPEP 2100 - Patentability (playlist, 71 videos)    • MPEP 2100 - Patentability   Section Summary MPEP § 2181: “Identifying and Interpreting a 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth Paragraph Limitation” This section outlines how to determine whether a claim invokes the special interpretation rules under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) (or pre-AIA § 112, ¶6), which governs “means-plus-function” or “step-plus-function” claim limitations. It explains the three-part test examiners use: (1) whether a term like “means,” “step,” or a generic placeholder (e.g., “module,” “device,” or “mechanism”) is used; (2) whether the term is linked to a function; and (3) whether the term lacks sufficient structural, material, or act-based specificity. If a limitation meets all three prongs, it must be interpreted to cover only the corresponding structure disclosed in the specification and equivalents. The section also guides examiners in rejecting claims that fail to disclose the required structure and in issuing Office actions that clarify the application or non-application of § 112(f). The goal is to ensure that applicants clearly define the scope of their inventions and that the claims are not interpreted more broadly than warranted under the statute. Illustration Explanation The image illustrates the key legal principle that a claim invoking 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) must be interpreted to cover only the structure disclosed in the specification and its equivalents when a term describes a function without sufficient structure. Edition Referenced Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) Ninth Edition, Revision 01.2024 Disclaimer This summary of the MPEP was generated using AI tools, including ChatGPT and NotebookLM, and may contain errors or omissions. It is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for formal instruction. For authoritative guidance, consult the official MPEP, a qualified instructor, or a registered patent practitioner. MPEP (Manual of Patent Examining Procedure) https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac... Find a Patent Practitioner https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/ Creative Director Mike Sheppard