What is the enablement requirement under 35 U.S.C. 112(a)?
The enablement requirement under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) mandates that the specification must describe the invention in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention without undue experimentation.
MPEP 2166 provides two form paragraphs for enablement rejections:
- For complete lack of enablement:
“Claim [1] rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, as failing to comply with the enablement requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to enable one skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and/or use the invention.”
- For scope of enablement issues:
“Claim [1] rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, because the specification, while being enabling for [2], does not reasonably provide enablement for [3]. The specification does not enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to [4] the invention commensurate in scope with these claims.”
When making an enablement rejection, examiners should consider the Wands factors to determine whether undue experimentation would be required to practice the claimed invention.
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