What are species in patent law?

In patent law, species refer to specific embodiments or variations of an invention within a broader genus or category. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) 806.04(b) states that “Species may be either independent or related under the particular disclosure.” This means that species can be distinct inventions or related inventions depending on how they are described in the patent application.

To learn more:

• species
• patent law
• independent inventions
• related inventions