How does the Donaldson case impact single means claims?

The In re Donaldson Co. case has significant implications for single means claims. According to MPEP 2164.08(a): “The Federal Circuit has held that a single means claim which covered every conceivable means for achieving the stated result was held nonenabling for the scope of the claim because the specification disclosed at most only those means…

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How can inventors avoid enablement rejections for single means claims?

To avoid enablement rejections for single means claims, inventors should ensure their patent applications provide comprehensive support for the full scope of the claim. The MPEP suggests that problems arise when the specification disclosed at most only those means known to the inventor. To address this: Provide detailed descriptions of multiple ways to achieve the…

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