How does the USPTO define “subcombination” in the context of patent applications?
How does the USPTO define “subcombination” in the context of patent applications?
The USPTO defines a subcombination as follows:
“A subcombination is a part of the combination. It may be:
- A. One or more elements of the combination, without the remainder of the combination (for example, the wheels of a truck or a door lock of a combination lock).
- B. A subassembly of a device. A subassembly is generally recognized as having a functional purpose within the device (for example, a gearbox of a copying machine).” (MPEP 806.05(a))
This definition helps examiners and applicants understand how to identify and distinguish subcombinations within a larger combination invention.
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