What is required for a specification to support a means-plus-function limitation?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. For a specification to properly support a means-plus-function limitation, it must disclose the corresponding structure, material, or acts that perform the claimed function. The MPEP states: “ The proper test for meeting the definiteness requirement is that the corresponding structure (or material or acts) of a means- (or step-) plus-function limitation must be disclosed in the specification itself in a way that one skilled in the art will understand what structure (or material or acts) will perform the recited function. “ If the specification does not disclose adequate structure, the claim may be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for indefiniteness and may also lack written description under 35 U.S.C. 112(a). Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Written Description Must Disclose Corresponding Structure MPEP 2181 Required Claim May Be Indefinite When 35 U.S.C. 112(f) Analysis Is Ambiguous MPEP 2181 Recommended Unclear Claim Limitation May Be Rejected Under 112(b) MPEP 2181 Permitted Application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) Driven by Claim Language MPEP 2181 Rebuttable Presumptions for 35 U.S.C. 112(f) MPEP 2181 Recommended Claim Limitation Must Be Interpreted Under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) Explicitly Stated MPEP 2181 Recommended Claimed Function Must Be Clearly Linked to Structure MPEP 2181 Required Written Description Requirement for Invention MPEP 2181 Required Examiner Must Determine Corresponding Structure for Means-Plus-Function Limitation MPEP 2181 Recommended Requirement for Describing Corresponding Structure When Means-Plus-Function Is Used MPEP 2181 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the &#8220;algorithm requirement&#8221; for computer-implement...