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Subsection 8.3.1 Patent Claim Transitional Phrases
202606200001 |
patent claims
Table 8.3.1. Patent Claim Transitional Phrases
| comprising |
Open-ended; includes at least the listed elements. |
Yes |
A widget comprising A, B, and C may also contain D and E. |
| consisting of |
Closed; limited to exactly the listed elements. |
No |
A widget consisting of A, B, and C excludes D and E. |
| consisting essentially of |
Partially open; additional elements are allowed if they do not affect the invention. |
Sometimes |
A widget consisting essentially of A, B, and C may include minor additives that do no change its essential characteristics. |
Memory Aid.
-
Comprising
-
Corresponds with an
open claim.
Such claims set
minimum requirements.
-
Consisting of
-
Corresponds with a
closed claim.
Such claims set
exact specifications.
-
Consisting essentially of
-
Corresponds with a
semi-open claim.
