How does the “single means claim” relate to the enablement requirement?

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 “single means claim” is closely related to the enablement requirement in patent law. According to MPEP 2164.08(a):

“Such claims are subject to rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, because the claim language is often not commensurate in scope with the enablement disclosure in the specification.”

This means that a single means claim typically fails to meet the enablement requirement because it claims more than what is actually enabled by the patent specification. The broad nature of such claims often extends beyond what the inventor has actually invented and described in sufficient detail.