How does the disclosure of multiple uses affect enablement in 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.

The disclosure of multiple uses in a patent application can impact the enablement requirement in the following ways:

• If any single use is enabled when multiple uses are disclosed, the application is considered enabling for the claimed invention.
• An enablement rejection must include an explanation, supported by evidence, as to why the specification fails to enable each disclosed use.

The MPEP clarifies this point: If multiple uses for claimed compounds or compositions are disclosed in the application, then an enablement rejection must include an explanation, sufficiently supported by the evidence, why the specification fails to enable each disclosed use. In other words, if any use is enabled when multiple uses are disclosed, the application is enabling for the claimed invention. (MPEP 2164.01(c))

This approach provides flexibility for inventors while maintaining the enablement standard required by patent law.