What is the relationship between equivalents and means-plus-function claims?
Equivalents play a crucial role in interpreting means-plus-function claims. MPEP 904.01(b) directs readers to specific sections for more information:
“See MPEP § 2181 – § 2184 for a discussion of equivalents when a claim employs means or step plus function terminology.”
In means-plus-function claims, the claim language describes a means for performing a specific function rather than detailing the structure itself. When examining these claims, equivalents are considered to determine the scope of the claim. This involves identifying structures, materials, or acts described in the specification that perform the claimed function, as well as their equivalents.
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