What is a single means claim?

A single means claim is a patent claim where a means recitation (a claim element described in terms of its function rather than its structure) appears alone, without being combined with another recited element of means. According to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), A single means claim, i.e., where a means recitation does not appear in combination with another recited element of means, is subject to an enablement rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph.

These claims are often problematic because they may cover every conceivable means for achieving the stated purpose, which can lead to enablement issues if the specification doesn’t adequately support such a broad scope.

To learn more:

• single means claim
• patent claims
• enablement
• 35 U.S.C. 112(a)
• means-plus-function