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 resources are available for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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 USPTO provides several resources for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications: The…

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What is the duty of disclosure in a reissue application?

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 duty of disclosure in a reissue application is the…

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How does the prohibition against double patenting apply in cases of restriction requirements?

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 prohibition against double patenting under 35 U.S.C. 121 is…

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