{"section":{"filename":"s2182.html","chapter":"2100","section_number":"2182","title":"Search and Identification of the Prior Art","revision_tag":"R-08.2017","bytes":65088,"sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737","subsection_count":0,"max_depth":0,"subsections":[]},"quality":"structured","cited_authorities":{"file_section":"2182","cases":[{"key":"case:355f.3d1327","slug":"golight-inc-v-wal-mart-stores-inc","short_name":"Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.","canonical_citation":"Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 355 F.3d 1327, 69 USPQ2d 1481 (Fed. Cir. 2004)","decision_year":2004,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"Construing a means-plus-function limitation involves two steps: first defining the particular function of the limitation, including only the limitations contained in the claim language, and then identifying the corresponding structure in the specification.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":2,"propositions":["two-step analysis for construing means-plus-function limitations"]},{"key":"case:124f.3d1419","slug":"b-braun-medical-inc-v-abbott-labs","short_name":"B. Braun Medical, Inc. v. Abbott Labs.","canonical_citation":"B. Braun Medical, Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 43 USPQ2d 1896 (Fed. Cir. 1997)","decision_year":1997,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"Structure disclosed in the specification is \"corresponding\" structure for a means-plus-function limitation only if the specification or prosecution history clearly links or associates that structure to the claimed function; this clear-linking duty is the quid pro quo for employing means-plus-function claiming.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":2,"propositions":["clear-link duty is the quid pro quo for using paragraph 6"]},{"key":"case:911f.2d705","slug":"in-re-spada","short_name":"In re Spada","canonical_citation":"In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705, 15 USPQ2d 1655 (Fed. Cir. 1990)","decision_year":1990,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"When the Office shows a sound basis for believing the applicant's and prior art's products are the same, the burden shifts to the applicant to show they are not; products of identical chemical composition cannot have mutually exclusive properties, and a sound basis is likewise needed that prior art structure performs a claimed function.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":1,"propositions":["sound basis needed that prior art structure performs claimed function"]},{"key":"case:250f.3d1369","slug":"budde-v-harley-davidson-inc","short_name":"Budde v. Harley-Davidson, Inc.","canonical_citation":"Budde v. Harley-Davidson, Inc., 250 F.3d 1369, 58 USPQ2d 1801 (Fed. Cir. 2001)","decision_year":2001,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"Construing a means-plus-function limitation begins with defining the particular claimed function; absent adequate corresponding structure in the specification, the limitation is indefinite.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":1,"propositions":["step one defines the particular claimed function"]},{"key":"case:296f.3d1106","slug":"cardiac-pacemakers-inc-v-st-jude-med-inc","short_name":"Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. v. St. Jude Med., Inc.","canonical_citation":"Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 296 F.3d 1106, 63 USPQ2d 1725 (Fed. Cir. 2002)","decision_year":2002,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"The function of a means-plus-function limitation must be construed to include the limitations contained in the claim language, and only those limitations; where no disclosed structure (excluding a human physician) can perform the claimed dual functions, the claim is unsupported by corresponding structure.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":1,"propositions":["function construed to include only the claim-language limitations"]},{"key":"case:344f.3d1205","slug":"med-instrumentation-diagnostics-corp-v-elekta-ab","short_name":"Med. Instrumentation & Diagnostics Corp. v. Elekta AB","canonical_citation":"Med. Instrumentation & Diagnostics Corp. v. Elekta AB, 344 F.3d 1205, 68 USPQ2d 1263 (Fed. Cir. 2003)","decision_year":2003,"court":"Fed. Cir.","holding_summary":"The specification or prosecution history must clearly link or associate disclosed structure with the claimed function for it to qualify as corresponding structure under 35 U.S.C. 112(f); this clear linkage is the quid pro quo for the convenience of means-plus-function claiming.","holding_confidence":"high","mentions":1,"propositions":["corresponding structure requires a clear link in spec or prosecution history"]}],"statutes":[{"key":"us_usc:35:112","slug":"35-usc-112","canonical_citation":"35 U.S.C. 112","mentions":2}],"cross_references":[{"key":"mpep:2114","section_number":"2114","title":"Apparatus and Article Claims — Functional Language","exists":true,"mentions":1}],"form_paragraphs":[]},"structured_data":{"nodes":[{"id":"se_yornbmyc","node_type":"section","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/se_yornbmyc","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220031","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!sec_2182","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!sec_2182","section_number":"2182","chapter":"2100","depth":0,"title":"Search and Identification of the Prior Art","revision_tag":"R-08.2017","children_ids":["pb_pxdytsri","pb_imlh45nj","nq_hd42uagb","pb_cnp33qiq"]},{"id":"pb_pxdytsri","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_pxdytsri","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"

The application of a prior art reference to a means- (or step-)\n plus-function limitation requires that the prior art element perform the identical function\n specified in the claim. However, if a prior art reference only teaches identity of function\n to that specified in a claim, then an examiner carries the initial\n burden of proof for showing that the prior art structure or step is the same as or\n equivalent to the structure, material, or acts described in the specification which has\n been identified as corresponding to the claimed means- (or step-) plus-function. Similarly,\n if the prior art reference teaches the identical structure or acts but is silent about\n performing the claimed function, a reasonable presumption is that the prior art structure\n inherently performs the same function. The examiner must provide a “sound basis for\n believing” that the prior art structure or acts would be capable of performing the claimed\n function. In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705, 708, 15 USPQ2d 1655, 1658 (Fed.\n Cir. 1990). See MPEP §\n 2114, subsection I, for more information on establishing\n inherency for functional limitations.

","rendered_text_plain":"The application of a prior art reference to a means- (or step-) plus-function limitation requires that the prior art element perform the identical function specified in the claim. However, if a prior art reference only teaches identity of function to that specified in a claim, then an examiner carries the initial burden of proof for showing that the prior art structure or step is the same as or equivalent to the structure, material, or acts described in the specification which has been identified as corresponding to the claimed means- (or step-) plus-function. Similarly, if the prior art reference teaches the identical structure or acts but is silent about performing the claimed function, a reasonable presumption is that the prior art structure inherently performs the same function. The examiner must provide a “sound basis for believing” that the prior art structure or acts would be capable of performing the claimed function. In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705, 708, 15 USPQ2d 1655, 1658 (Fed. Cir. 1990). See MPEP § 2114, subsection I, for more information on establishing inherency for functional limitations.","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220066","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_yornbmyc"},{"id":"pb_imlh45nj","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_imlh45nj","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"

The means- (or step-) plus- function limitation should be interpreted in a\n manner consistent with the specification disclosure. The Federal Circuit explained the two\n step analysis involved in construing means- (or step-) plus- function limitations in\n Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 355 F.3d 1327, 1333-34, 69\n USPQ2d 1481, 1486 (Fed. Cir. 2004):

","rendered_text_plain":"The means- (or step-) plus- function limitation should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the specification disclosure. The Federal Circuit explained the two step analysis involved in construing means- (or step-) plus- function limitations in Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 355 F.3d 1327, 1333-34, 69 USPQ2d 1481, 1486 (Fed. Cir. 2004):","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220081","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_yornbmyc"},{"id":"nq_hd42uagb","node_type":"narrative_quote","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/nq_hd42uagb","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"
\n

The first step in construing a means-plus-function claim limitation is\n to define the particular function of the claim limitation. Budde v.\n Harley-Davidson, Inc., 250 F.3d 1369, 1376, 58 USPQ2d 1801, 1806 (Fed. Cir.\n 2001). “The court must construe the function of a means-plus-function limitation to\n include the limitations contained in the claim language, and only those limitations.”\n Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 296 F.3d 1106,\n 1113, 63 USPQ2d 1725, 1730 (Fed. Cir. 2002). The next step in construing a\n means-plus-function claim limitation is to look to the specification and identify the\n corresponding structure for that function. “Under this second step, ‘structure disclosed\n in the specification is “corresponding” structure only if the specification or\n prosecution history clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited\n in the claim.’” Med. Instrumentation & Diagnostics Corp. v. Elekta\n AB, 344 F.3d 1205, 1210, 68 USPQ2d 1263, 1267 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (quoting\n B. Braun Med. Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 1424, 43 USPQ2d\n 1896, 1900 (Fed. Cir. 1997)).\n

\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The first step in construing a means-plus-function claim limitation is to define the particular function of the claim limitation. Budde v. Harley-Davidson, Inc., 250 F.3d 1369, 1376, 58 USPQ2d 1801, 1806 (Fed. Cir. 2001). “The court must construe the function of a means-plus-function limitation to include the limitations contained in the claim language, and only those limitations.” Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 296 F.3d 1106, 1113, 63 USPQ2d 1725, 1730 (Fed. Cir. 2002). The next step in construing a means-plus-function claim limitation is to look to the specification and identify the corresponding structure for that function. “Under this second step, ‘structure disclosed in the specification is “corresponding” structure only if the specification or prosecution history clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited in the claim.’” Med. Instrumentation & Diagnostics Corp. v. Elekta AB, 344 F.3d 1205, 1210, 68 USPQ2d 1263, 1267 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (quoting B. Braun Med. Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 1424, 43 USPQ2d 1896, 1900 (Fed. Cir. 1997)).","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220089","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"source_anchor":"d0e220089","host_section_id":"se_yornbmyc","source_case_id":"cs_aadfcld5"},{"id":"pb_cnp33qiq","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_cnp33qiq","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"

If the specification defines what is meant by the limitation for the\n purposes of the claimed invention, the examiner should interpret the limitation as having\n that meaning. If no definition is provided, some judgment must be exercised in determining\n the scope of the limitation. See, e.g., B. Braun Medical, Inc. v. Abbott\n Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 1424, 43 USPQ2d 1896, 1900 (Fed. Cir. 1997) (“We hold\n that, pursuant to [35\n U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph], structure disclosed in the\n specification is ‘corresponding’ structure only if the specification or prosecution history\n clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited in the claim. This duty\n to link or associate structure to function is the quid pro quo for the\n convenience of employing 112, paragraph 6.” The court refused to interpret a\n means-plus-function limitation as corresponding to a disclosed valve seat structure, as\n argued by patentee, since there was no indication in the specification or prosecution\n history that this structure corresponds to the recited function, and there was an\n explicitly clear association between that function and a traverse cross section bar\n structure disclosed in the specification.).

","rendered_text_plain":"If the specification defines what is meant by the limitation for the purposes of the claimed invention, the examiner should interpret the limitation as having that meaning. If no definition is provided, some judgment must be exercised in determining the scope of the limitation. See, e.g., B. Braun Medical, Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 1424, 43 USPQ2d 1896, 1900 (Fed. Cir. 1997) (“We hold that, pursuant to [35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph], structure disclosed in the specification is ‘corresponding’ structure only if the specification or prosecution history clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited in the claim. This duty to link or associate structure to function is the quid pro quo for the convenience of employing 112, paragraph 6.” The court refused to interpret a means-plus-function limitation as corresponding to a disclosed valve seat structure, as argued by patentee, since there was no indication in the specification or prosecution history that this structure corresponds to the recited function, and there was an explicitly clear association between that function and a traverse cross section bar structure disclosed in the specification.).","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220106","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_yornbmyc"},{"id":"cs_btwrb26h","node_type":"case","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/cs_btwrb26h","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705 (Fed. Cir. 1990)","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"short_name":"In re Spada","all_citations":["911 F.2d 705","15 USPQ2d 1655"],"canonical_citation":"In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705, 15 USPQ2d 1655 (Fed. Cir. 1990)","decision_year":1990,"court":"Fed. Cir."},{"id":"cs_aadfcld5","node_type":"case","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/cs_aadfcld5","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-08.2017","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 355 F.3d 1327 (Fed. Cir. 2004)","provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"},"short_name":"Golight Inc. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.","all_citations":["355 F.3d 1327","69 USPQ2d 1481"],"canonical_citation":"Golight Inc. v. 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Cir. 1997)","source_offset":{"start":290,"end":328},"pincite":"1424","signal":"see","proposition":"clear-link duty is the quid pro quo for using paragraph 6"},"provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220106","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"}},{"id":"e_nyh6z4ns","edge_type":"cites-statute","source_id":"pb_cnp33qiq","target_id":"st_35hzro2v","properties":{"citation_text":"35 U.S.C. 112","specificity":"section","source_offset":{"start":418,"end":431}},"provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220106","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"}},{"id":"e_nkgest2m","edge_type":"cites-statute","source_id":"pb_cnp33qiq","target_id":"st_35hzro2v","properties":{"citation_text":"35 U.S.C. 112","specificity":"section","source_offset":{"start":757,"end":760}},"provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220106","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"}},{"id":"e_7v6i2izf","edge_type":"cross-references","source_id":"pb_pxdytsri","target_id":"se_saig37h7","properties":{"link_text":"MPEP § 2114","target_anchor":"d0e201520","source_offset":{"start":1015,"end":1026}},"provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220066","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"}},{"id":"e_jab3gs4h","edge_type":"quotes-from","source_id":"nq_hd42uagb","target_id":"cs_aadfcld5","properties":{"quoted_text":"The first step in construing a means-plus-function claim limitation is to define the particular function of the claim limitation. Budde v. Harley-Davidson, Inc., 250 F.3d 1369, 1376, 58 USPQ2d 1801, 1806 (Fed. Cir. 2001). “The court must construe the function of a means-plus-function limitation to include the limitations contained in the claim language, and only those limitations.” Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 296 F.3d 1106, 1113, 63 USPQ2d 1725, 1730 (Fed. Cir. 2002). The next step in construing a means-plus-function claim limitation is to look to the specification and identify the corresponding structure for that function. “Under this second step, ‘structure disclosed in the specification is “corresponding” structure only if the specification or prosecution history clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited in the claim.’” Med. Instrumentation & Diagnostics Corp. v. Elekta AB, 344 F.3d 1205, 1210, 68 USPQ2d 1263, 1267 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (quoting B. Braun Med. Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 124 F.3d 1419, 1424, 43 USPQ2d 1896, 1900 (Fed. Cir. 1997)).","quoted_text_sha256":"911f1302aa9391ac0200f18ee76c90e7181761eabda073e01acb0ac44a5ed549","source_offset":{"start":0,"end":1100}},"provenance":{"source_file":"s2182.html","source_anchor":"d0e220089","source_sha256":"18d7950a6f336df0e9513d12d6326f92f946099ef185ba260b769b75e8949737"}}]}}