What is the “single means claim” in patent law?

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.

A “single means claim” in patent law refers to a claim that recites a single element to perform a function without specifying any supporting structure or steps. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) 2164.08(a) states:

“A single means claim, i.e., where a means recitation does not appear in combination with another recited element of means, is subject to an enablement rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph.”

Such claims are generally considered to be overly broad and may not meet the enablement requirement of patent law.