How does 35 U.S.C. 112(f) interact with other requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 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. While 35 U.S.C. 112(f) permits a particular form of claim limitation, it does not create exceptions to other requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112. The MPEP states: “While 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, permits a particular form of claim limitation, it cannot be read as creating an exception either to the description, enablement or best mode requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph or the definiteness requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph.” This means that even if a claim uses means-plus-function language, it must still meet all other requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112, including enablement, written description, and definiteness. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claim Limitation Written in Means-Plus-Function Language Meets Definiteness Requirement If Specification Satisfies Description Requirement MPEP 2181 Claim Limitation Written in Means-Plus-Function Language Must Have Adequate Structure Disclosed MPEP 2181 Claim Limitation Does Not Waive Description Requirements MPEP 2185 Prohibited Means-Plus-Function Does Not Waive Description and Definiteness MPEP 2181 Enablement Requirement Separate from Written Description MPEP 2181 Written Description Must Support Claims MPEP 2185 Recommended Means-Plus-Function Does Not Waive Description Requirements MPEP 2181 Prohibited Specification Must Describe Adequate Structure for Function MPEP 2181 Means-Plus-Function Claim Must Have Adequate Support MPEP 2181 Required Claim Lack of Structure Also Means No Written Description MPEP 2181 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the use of block diagrams in a patent applicat...