How should examiners interpret functional claim language?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs 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. Examiners should interpret functional claim language by focusing on the…

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What is the relationship between equivalents and means-plus-function claims?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs 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. Equivalents play a crucial role in interpreting means-plus-function claims. MPEP…

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What are equivalents in patent examination?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs 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. In patent examination, equivalents refer to subject matter that is…

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How do equivalents affect prior art searches?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs 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. Equivalents significantly expand the scope of prior art searches during…

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What is the “broadest reasonable interpretation” approach in patent searching?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs 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. The “broadest reasonable interpretation” approach in patent searching refers to…

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