How does the USPTO define “subcombination” in the context of patent applications?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

How does the USPTO define “subcombination” in the context of patent applications?

The USPTO defines a subcombination as follows:

“A subcombination is a part of the combination. It may be:

• A. One or more elements of the combination, without the remainder of the combination (for example, the wheels of a truck or a door lock of a combination lock).
• B. A subassembly of a device. A subassembly is generally recognized as having a functional purpose within the device (for example, a gearbox of a copying machine).” (MPEP 806.05(a))

This definition helps examiners and applicants understand how to identify and distinguish subcombinations within a larger combination invention.