What is a specific species claim in patent applications?

A specific species claim in a patent application refers to a claim that is limited to a single disclosed embodiment of the invention. The MPEP 806.04(e) states:

“The scope of a claim may be limited to a single disclosed embodiment (i.e., a single species, and thus be designated a specific species claim).”

This means that a specific species claim narrowly defines the invention to cover only one particular version or implementation of the invention, as opposed to a broader claim that might cover multiple variations or embodiments.

To learn more:

• specific species claim
• patent applications
• embodiments
• MPEP