What is the difference between a combination and a subcombination in patent law?

In patent law, a combination is an organization of which a subcombination or element is a part. As stated in MPEP 806.05(a):

“A combination is an organization of which a subcombination or element is a part.”

This means that a combination claim includes multiple elements or components working together, while a subcombination claim focuses on a specific part or element that could be used in the larger combination.

To learn more:

• combination
• subcombination
• patent claims
• MPEP
• patent examination