[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 4 (Monday, January 7, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57-63]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-28283]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

United States Patent and Trademark Office

[Docket No. PTO-P-2018-0059]


Examining Computer-Implemented Functional Claim Limitations for 
Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112

AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

ACTION: Examination guidance; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This guidance will assist United States Patent and Trademark 
Office (USPTO) personnel in the examination of claims in patent 
applications that contain functional language, particularly patent 
applications where functional language is used to claim computer-
implemented inventions. Part I of this guidance addresses issues 
related to the examination of computer-implemented functional claims 
having means-plus-function limitations. Part II of this guidance 
addresses written description and enablement issues related to the 
examination of computer-implemented functional claims that recite only 
the idea of a solution or outcome to a problem but fail to recite 
details of how the solution or outcome is accomplished.

DATES: 
    Applicable Date: The Computer-Implemented Functional Claim 
Limitations Guidance is effective on January 7, 2019. The Computer-
Implemented Functional Claim Limitations Guidance applies to all 
applications, and to all patents resulting from applications, filed 
before, on or after January 7, 2019.
    Comment Deadline Date: Written comments must be received on or 
before March 8, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Comments must be sent by electronic mail message over the 
internet addressed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f9c8c8cbbe8c909d98979a9ccbc9c8c0b98c8a898d96d79e968f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2415151663514d40454a47411614151d64515754504b0a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Electronic comments submitted in plain text are preferred, but also 
may be submitted in ADOBE[supreg] portable document format or MICROSOFT 
WORD[supreg] format. Comments not submitted electronically should be 
submitted on paper in a format that facilitates convenient digital 
scanning into ADOBE[supreg] portable document format. The comments will 
be available for viewing via the USPTO's internet website (http://www.uspto.gov). Because comments will be made available for public 
inspection, information that the submitter does not desire to make 
public, such as an address or phone number, should not be included in 
the comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole D. Haines, Senior Legal 
Advisor, at 571-272-7717 or Jeffrey R. West, Senior Legal Advisor, at 
571-272-2226, both with the Office of Patent Legal Administration.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The patent examination process must ensure 
that: (1) The claims of an application have proper written description 
and enablement support under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) \1\ in the disclosure of 
the application, and (2) functional limitations (i.e., claim 
limitations that define an element in terms of the function it performs 
without reciting the structure, materials, or acts that perform the 
function) are properly treated as means (or step) plus function 
limitations under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), and are sufficiently definite under 
35 U.S.C. 112(b), as appropriate. These requirements are particularly 
relevant to computer-implemented functional claims.
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    \1\ Section 4 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) 
designated pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, ] ] 1 through 6, as 35 U.S.C. 
112(a) through (f), effective as to applications filed on or after 
September 16, 2012. See Public Law 112-29, 4(c), 125 Stat. 284, 296 
(2011). AIA 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, ] 1 are 
collectively referred to in this notice as 35 U.S.C. 112(a); AIA 35 
U.S.C. 112(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, ] 2 are collectively 
referred to in this notice as 35 U.S.C. 112(b); and AIA 35 U.S.C. 
112(f) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, ] 6 are collectively referred to 
in this notice as 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
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    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (``Federal 
Circuit'') has recognized a problem with broad functional claiming 
without adequate structural support in the specification. Williamson v. 
Citrix Online, LLC, 792 F.3d 1339, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (en banc) 
(overruling the Federal Circuit's previous application of a ``strong'' 
presumption that claim limitations lacking the word ``means'' are not 
subject to Sec.  112(f) to address the resulting ``proliferation of 
functional claiming untethered to [Sec.  112(f)] and free of the 
strictures set forth in the statute''); Function Media, LLC v. Google, 
Inc., 708 F.3d 1310, 1319 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (`` `Section [112(f)] is 
intended

[[Page 58]]

to prevent . . . pure functional claiming.' '' (citing Aristocrat 
Techs. Australia Pty Ltd. v. Int'l Game Tech., 521 F.3d 1238, 1333 
(Fed. Cir. 2008))); Ariad Pharm., Inc. v. Eli Lilly and Co., 598 F.3d 
1336, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (en banc) (discussing the problem of 
functional claims defining a genus that ``simply claim a desired result 
. . . without describing species that achieve that result''). In the 
context of another statutory requirement, 35 U.S.C. 101, the Federal 
Circuit has also criticized improper functional claiming. Elec. Power 
Grp., LLC v. Alstom S.A., 830 F.3d 1350, 1351 (Fed. Cir. 2016) 
(observing that ``the claims do not go beyond requiring the collection, 
analysis, and display of available information in a particular field, 
stating those functions in general terms, without limiting them to 
technical means for performing the functions that are arguably an 
advance over conventional computer and network technology''); see also 
Intellectual Ventures I LLC v. Symantec Corp., 838 F.3d 1307, 1327 
(Fed. Cir. 2016) (Mayer, J., concurring) (stating, ``[s]oftware patents 
typically . . . describe, in intentionally vague and broad language, a 
particular goal or objective [of the software]''). Problems with 
functional claiming, i.e., when a claim is purely functional in nature 
rather than reciting with any specificity how the claimed function is 
achieved, can be effectively addressed using long-standing, well-
understood principles under 35 U.S.C. 112. Thus, the USPTO is providing 
further guidance on the application of 35 U.S.C. 112 requirements 
during examination.
    Part I of this guidance focuses on claim interpretation under 35 
U.S.C. 112(f) and compliance with the definiteness requirement of 35 
U.S.C. 112(b), for example as discussed in the Federal Circuit 
decisions in Williamson, 792 F.3d 1339, and Aristocrat, 521 F.3d 1328. 
Part II of this guidance focuses on the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 
112(a) relative to written description and enablement, for example as 
discussed in the Federal Circuit decision in Vasudevan Software, Inc. 
v. MicroStrategy, Inc., 782 F.3d 671 (Fed. Cir. 2015). \2\
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    \2\ As is existing practice, examiners may also issue 
``Requirements for Information'' pursuant to 37 CFR 1.105. This 
notice does not affect current practice regarding ``Requirements for 
Information,'' which remains a tool examiners can use to help 
resolve, among other things, issues regarding compliance with Sec.  
112 during examination. See, e.g., MPEP 704.10-14. For example, an 
examiner may request information about written description support, 
continuation in part support, issues related to Sec.  112(f), or 
enablement issues, among other things. See, e.g., MPEP 704.11(a)(K), 
(R), (S)(2)-(3).
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    I. Review of Issues under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) and 112(b) Related to 
Examination of Computer-Implemented Functional Claim Limitations: In 
its en banc decision in the Williamson case, the Federal Circuit 
recognized that some of its prior opinions established a heightened bar 
to overcoming the presumption that a limitation expressed in functional 
language without using the word ``means'' is not subject to 35 U.S.C. 
112(f) and concluded that such a heightened burden is unjustified. 
Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1349 (explaining that characterizing the 
presumption as strong ``has shifted the balance struck by Congress in 
passing [35 U.S.C. 112(f)] and has resulted in a proliferation of 
functional claiming untethered to [Sec.  112(f)] and free of the 
strictures set forth in the statute''). Instead,

[t]he standard is whether the words of the claim are understood by 
persons of ordinary skill in the art to have a sufficiently definite 
meaning as the name for structure. When a claim term lacks the word 
``means,'' the presumption [that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) does not apply] 
can be overcome and [Sec.  112(f)] will apply if the challenger 
demonstrates that the claim term fails to recite sufficiently 
definite structure or else recites function without reciting 
sufficient structure for performing that function. The converse 
presumption remains unaffected: use of the word ``means'' creates a 
presumption that Sec.  112[f] applies.

Id. (internal citations and quotation marks omitted).
    A. Claim Interpretation: One of the first steps in examining claims 
is determining the broadest reasonable interpretation (BRI) of the 
claim. In determining the BRI, examiners should establish the meaning 
of each claim term consistent with the specification as it would be 
interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art, including identifying 
and construing functional claim limitations. If a claim limitation 
recites a term and associated functional language, the examiner should 
determine whether the claim limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f). 
Application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is driven by the claim language, not by 
applicant's intent or mere statements to the contrary included in the 
specification or made during prosecution. Examiners will apply 35 
U.S.C. 112(f) to a claim limitation if it meets the 3-prong analysis 
set forth in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (9th ed. Rev. 
08.2017, Jan. 2018) (referred to herein as ``MPEP''), Sec.  2181, 
subsection I. At a high level, the 3-prong analysis includes evaluating 
whether: The claim limitation uses the term ``means'' (or ``step'') or 
a generic placeholder, the term is modified by functional language, and 
the term is not modified by sufficient structure, material or acts for 
performing the function.\3\
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    \3\ The full text reads as follows: ``[E]xaminers will apply 35 
U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph to a claim 
limitation if it meets the following 3-prong analysis: (A) the claim 
limitation uses the term `means' or `step' or a term used as a 
substitute for `means' that is a generic placeholder (also called a 
nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural 
meaning) for performing the claimed function; (B) the term `means' 
or `step' or the generic placeholder is modified by functional 
language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word 
`for' (e.g., `means for') or another linking word or phrase, such as 
`configured to' or `so that'; and (C) the term `means' or `step' or 
the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, 
material, or acts for performing the claimed function.'' MPEP 2181, 
subsection I.
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    A claim limitation is presumed to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) when it 
explicitly uses the term ``means'' and includes functional language. 
The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) applies is overcome when the 
limitation further includes the structure necessary to perform the 
recited function. See MPEP Sec.  2181, subsection I. By contrast, a 
claim limitation that does not use the term ``means'' will trigger the 
presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) does not apply. Even in the face of 
this presumption, the examiner should nonetheless consider whether the 
presumption is overcome.
    The USPTO's examination practice regarding the presumption that 35 
U.S.C. 112(f) does not apply to a claim limitation that does not use 
the term ``means'' is based on the Federal Circuit's standard set forth 
in Williamson. The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) does not apply is 
overcome when ``the claim term fails to `recite sufficiently definite 
structure' or else recites `function without reciting

[[Page 59]]

sufficient structure for performing that function.''' MPEP Sec.  2181, 
subsection I (quoting Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1348). Instead of using 
``means'' in such cases, a substitute term can act as a generic 
placeholder for the term ``means'' where that term would not be 
recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art as being sufficiently 
definite structure for performing the claimed function. The following 
are examples of non-structural generic placeholders that may invoke 35 
U.S.C. 112(f): ``mechanism for,'' ``module for,'' ``device for,'' 
``unit for,'' ``component for,'' ``element for,'' ``member for,'' 
``apparatus for,'' ``machine for,'' or ``system for.'' See, e.g., MPEP 
Sec.  2181, subsection I.A; Welker Bearing Co., v. Ph.D., Inc., 550 
F.3d 1090, 1096 (Fed. Cir. 2008); Mass. Inst. of Tech. v. Abacus 
Software, 462 F.3d 1344, 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2006); Personalized Media 
Commc'ns, LLC v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 161 F.3d 696, 704 (Fed. Cir. 
1998); Mas-Hamilton Grp. v. LaGard, Inc., 156 F.3d 1206, 1214-15 (Fed. 
Cir. 1998). This list is not exhaustive, and similar generic 
placeholders may invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Note that there is no fixed 
list of generic placeholders that always result in 35 U.S.C. 112(f) 
interpretation, and likewise there is no fixed list of words that 
always avoid 35 U.S.C. 112(f) interpretation. Every case will turn on 
its own unique set of facts.
    Even when a claim limitation uses the term ``means'' or a generic 
placeholder for the term ``means,'' a limitation will not invoke 35 
U.S.C. 112(f) if there is a structural modifier that further describes 
the term ``means'' or the generic placeholder. Compare Greenberg v. 
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., 91 F.3d 1580, 1583 (Fed. Cir. 1996) 
(concluding that the term ``detent mechanism'' did not invoke pre-AIA 
35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph because the modifier ``detent'' denotes 
a type of structural device with a generally understood meaning in the 
mechanical arts), with Mass. Inst. of Tech., 462 F.3d at 1354 
(concluding that the term ``colorant selection mechanism'' did invoke 
pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph because the modifier ``colorant 
selection'' does not connote sufficient structure to a person of 
ordinary skill in the art). To determine whether a word, term, or 
phrase coupled with a function denotes structure, examiners should 
check whether: (1) The specification provides a description sufficient 
to inform one of ordinary skill in the art that the term denotes 
structure; (2) general and subject matter specific dictionaries provide 
evidence that the term has achieved recognition as a noun denoting 
structure; and (3) the prior art provides evidence that the term has an 
art-recognized structure to perform the claimed function. See MPEP 
Sec.  2181, subsection I, for more guidance on generic placeholders.
    At issue in Williamson was whether a ``distributed learning control 
module'' limitation in claims directed to a distributed learning system 
should be interpreted as a means-plus-function limitation. See 
Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1347. The Federal Circuit concluded that ``the 
`distributed learning control module' limitation fails to recite 
sufficiently definite structure and that the presumption against means-
plus-function claiming is rebutted.'' Id. at 1351. In support, the 
Federal Circuit determined that: ``the word `module' does not provide 
any indication of structure because it sets forth the same black box 
recitation of structure for providing the same specified function as if 
the term `means' had been used''; ``[t]he prefix `distributed learning 
control' does not impart structure into the term `module' ''; and ``the 
written description fails to impart any structural significance to the 
term.'' Id. at 1350-51.
    In view of Williamson, examiners should apply the applicable 
presumption and the 3-prong analysis to interpret a computer-
implemented functional claim limitation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 
112(f) as appropriate, including determining if the claim sets forth 
sufficient structure for performing the recited function. A 
determination that a claim is being interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. 
112(f) should be expressly stated in the examiner's Office action. In 
response to the Office action, if applicant does not want to have the 
claim limitation interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), applicant may: (1) 
Present a sufficient showing to establish that the claim limitation 
recites sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to 
avoid interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f); or (2) amend the claim 
limitation in a way that avoids interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) 
(e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed 
function).
    The BRI of a claim limitation that is subject to 35 U.S.C. 112(f), 
``is the structure, material or act described in the specification as 
performing the entire claimed function and equivalents to the disclosed 
structure, material or act.'' MPEP Sec.  2181. Thus, if the claim 
limitation is being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), the 
specification must be consulted to determine the corresponding 
structure, material, or act for performing the claimed function. See 
MPEP Sec.  2181, subsection I, for more guidance on interpreting claim 
limitations that are subject to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Generally, the BRI 
given to a claim term that is not subject to 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is its 
plain meaning unless limited by a special definition or disavowal of 
claim scope set forth in the specification which must be clear and 
unmistakable (note that changing the plain meaning of a claim term by 
setting forth a special definition or disavowal of claim scope is 
uncommon). MPEP Sec.  2111.01, subsections I, IV. The plain meaning is 
the ordinary and customary meaning given to the term by those of 
ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date, 
evidenced by, for example, the words of the claims themselves, the 
specification, drawings, and prior art. Id. See, MPEP 2111, et. seq., 
for detailed guidance on the application of the BRI during examination.
    B. Indefiniteness under 35 U.S.C. 112(b): For a computer-
implemented 35 U.S.C. 112(f) claim limitation, the specification must 
disclose an algorithm for performing the claimed specific computer 
function, or else the claim is indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112(b). See 
Net MoneyIN, Inc. v. VeriSign, Inc., 545 F.3d 1359, 1367 (Fed. Cir. 
2008). In cases ``involving a special purpose computer-implemented 
means-plus-function limitation, `[the Federal Circuit] has consistently 
required that the structure disclosed in the specification be more than 
simply a general purpose computer or microprocessor' and that the 
specification must disclose an algorithm for performing the claimed 
function.'' Noah Sys., Inc. v. Intuit Inc., 675 F.3d 1302, 1312 (Fed. 
Cir. 2012) (quoting Aristocrat, 521 F.3d at 1333). Thus, the 
corresponding structure for performing the specific computer function 
is not simply a general purpose computer by itself but a special 
purpose computer as programmed to perform the disclosed algorithm. In 
re Aoyama, 656 F.3d 1293, 1297 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (``[W]hen the disclosed 
structure is a computer programmed to carry out an algorithm, `the 
disclosed structure is not the general purpose computer, but rather 
that special purpose computer programmed to perform the disclosed 
algorithm.' '' (quoting WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Int'l Game Tech., 184 F.3d 
1339, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 1999))). An algorithm is defined, for example, as 
``a finite sequence of steps for solving a logical or mathematical 
problem or performing a task.'' Microsoft Computer Dictionary (5th ed., 
2002). Applicant may ``express that algorithm in any understandable

[[Page 60]]

terms including as a mathematical formula, in prose, or as a flow 
chart, or in any other manner that provides sufficient structure.'' 
Finisar Corp. v. DirecTV Grp., Inc., 523 F.3d 1323, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 
2008) (internal citation omitted).
    Special purpose computer-implemented 35 U.S.C. 112(f) claim 
limitations will be indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) when the 
specification fails to disclose an algorithm to perform the claimed 
function. For example, in Advanced Ground Information Systems, Inc. v. 
Life360, Inc., 830 F.3d 1341 (Fed. Cir. 2016), the Federal Circuit 
determined that the term ``symbol generator'' is a computer-implemented 
means-plus-function limitation and that ``[t]he specifications of the 
patents-in-suit do not disclose an operative algorithm for the claim 
elements reciting `symbol generator.' '' Id. at 1348-49. The Federal 
Circuit upheld the district court's determination that the term 
``symbol generator'' is indefinite, observing that ``although the 
district court recognized that the specification describes, in general 
terms, that symbols are generated based on the latitude and longitude 
of the participants, it nonetheless determined that the specification 
fails to disclose an algorithm or description as to how those symbols 
are actually generated.'' Id. at 1349 (internal quotation marks and 
alterations omitted). See also, Blackboard, Inc. v. Desire2Learn, Inc., 
574 F.3d 1371, 1382-83 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (concluding that the 
description of a server computer's ``access control manager'' software 
feature was insufficient disclosure of corresponding structure to 
support the computer-implemented ``means for assigning'' limitation 
because ``what the patent calls the `access control manager' is simply 
an abstraction that describes the function of controlling access to 
course materials . . . [b]ut how it does so is left undisclosed.''); 
Aristocrat, 521 F.3d at 1334-35 (explaining that ``the [patent's] 
description of the embodiments is simply a description of the outcome 
of the claimed functions, not a description of the structure, i.e., the 
computer programmed to execute a particular algorithm'').
    Moreover, the requirement for the disclosure of an algorithm cannot 
be avoided by arguing that one of ordinary skill in the art is capable 
of writing software to convert a general purpose computer to a special 
purpose computer to perform the claimed function. See EON Corp. IP 
Holdings LLC v. AT&T Mobility LLC, 785 F.3d 616, 623 (Fed. Cir. 2015) 
(disagreeing ``that a microprocessor can serve as sufficient structure 
for a software function if a person of ordinary skill in the art could 
implement the software function[,]'' noting that ``we have repeatedly 
and unequivocally rejected this argument: a person of ordinary skill in 
the art plays no role whatsoever in determining whether an algorithm 
must be disclosed as structure for a functional claim element''); 
Blackboard, 574 F.3d at 1385 (explaining that ``[t]he fact that an 
ordinarily skilled artisan might be able to design a program to create 
an access control list based on the system users' predetermined roles 
goes to enablement[,]'' whereas ``[t]he question before us is whether 
the specification contains a sufficiently precise description of the 
`corresponding structure' to satisfy [pre-AIA] section 112, paragraph 
6, not whether a person of skill in the art could devise some means to 
carry out the recited function'').
    Special purpose computer-implemented 35 U.S.C. 112(f) claim 
limitations are also indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) when the 
specification discloses an algorithm but the algorithm is not 
sufficient to perform the entire claimed function(s). See Noah, 675 
F.3d at 1319 (holding that ``[c]omputer-implemented means-plus-function 
claims are indefinite unless the specification discloses an algorithm 
to perform the function associated with the limitation[,]'' and that 
``[w]hen the specification discloses an algorithm that only 
accomplishes one of multiple identifiable functions performed by a 
means-plus-function limitation, the specification is treated as if it 
disclosed no algorithm.''). The sufficiency of the algorithm is 
determined in view of what one of ordinary skill in the art would 
understand as sufficient to define the structure and make the 
boundaries of the claim understandable. For example, in Williamson, the 
Federal Circuit found that the term ``distributed learning control 
module'' is a means-plus-function limitation that performs three 
specialized functions (i.e., ``receiving,'', ``relaying,'' and 
``coordinating''), which ``must be implemented in a special purpose 
computer.'' Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1351-52. The Federal Circuit 
explained that ``[w]here there are multiple claimed functions, as we 
have here, the [specification] must disclose adequate corresponding 
structure to perform all of the claimed functions.'' Id. Yet the 
Federal Circuit determined that the specification ``fails to disclose 
any structure corresponding to the `coordinating' function.'' Id. at 
1354. Specifically, the Federal Circuit found no ``disclosure of an 
algorithm corresponding to the claimed `coordinating' function,'' 
concluding that the figures in the specification relied upon by 
patentee as disclosing the required algorithm, instead describe ``a 
presenter display interface'' and not an algorithm corresponding to the 
claimed ``coordinating'' function. Id. at 1353-54. Accordingly, the 
Federal Circuit affirmed the district court's judgment that claims 
containing the ``distributed learning control module'' limitation are 
invalid for indefiniteness under 35 U.S.C. 112(b). Id. at 1354.
    Similarly, in Media Rights Technologies, Inc. v. Capital One 
Financial Corp., 800 F.3d 1366, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2015), the Federal 
Circuit determined that the term ``compliance mechanism'' is a means-
plus-function limitation that performs four computer-implemented 
functions (i.e., ``controlling data output by diverting a data pathway; 
monitoring the controlled data pathway; managing an output path by 
diverting a data pathway; and stopping the play of media content''). 
The Federal Circuit determined ``that the specification fails to 
adequately disclose the structure to perform all four of [the 
`compliance mechanism's'] functions'' and affirmed the district court's 
decision that the ``compliance mechanism'' limitation is indefinite. 
Id. at 1375. Specifically, the Federal Circuit found that ``the 
specification fails to disclose an operative algorithm for both the 
`controlling data output' and `managing output path' functions[,]'' 
which ``both require diverting a data pathway[,]'' because the recited 
C++ source code in the specification ``only returns various error 
messages'' and ``does not, accordingly, explain how to perform the 
diverting function[.]'' Id. at 1374-75. ``Additionally, the 
specification does not disclose sufficient structure for the 
`monitoring' function[,]'' because the disclosed ``set of rules . . . 
which the `copyright compliance mechanism' applies to monitor the data 
pathway to ensure there is no unauthorized recording of electronic 
media . . . provides no detail about the rules themselves or how the 
`copyright compliance mechanism' determines whether the rules are being 
enforced.'' Id. at 1375. See MPEP Sec.  2181, subsection II(B), for 
additional guidance on evaluating description necessary to support 
computer-implemented 35 U.S.C. 112(f) claim limitations.
    A computer-implemented functional claim may also be indefinite when 
the 3-prong analysis for determining whether the claim limitation 
should be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is inconclusive because of 
ambiguous words in the claim. After taking into

[[Page 61]]

consideration the language in the claims, the specification, and how 
those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the language in the 
claims in light of the disclosure, the examiner should make a 
determination regarding whether the words in the claim recite 
sufficiently definite structure that performs the claimed function. If 
the applicant disagrees with the examiner's interpretation of the claim 
limitation, the applicant has the opportunity during the application 
process to present arguments, and amend the claim if needed, to clarify 
whether Sec.  112(f) applies.
    When a claim containing a computer-implemented 35 U.S.C. 112(f) 
claim limitation is found to be indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for 
failure to disclose sufficient corresponding structure (e.g., the 
computer and the algorithm) in the specification that performs the 
entire claimed function, it will also lack written description under 35 
U.S.C. 112(a). See MPEP Sec.  2163.03, subsection VI. Examiners should 
further consider whether the disclosure contains sufficient information 
regarding the subject matter of the claims as to enable one skilled in 
the pertinent art to make and use the full scope of the claimed 
invention in compliance with the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 
112(a). See MPEP Sec.  2161.01, subsection III and MPEP Sec.  2164.08.
    II. Review of Issues under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) Related to Examination 
of Computer-Implemented Functional Claim Limitations: Even if a claim 
is not construed as a means-plus-function limitation under 35 U.S.C. 
112(f), computer-implemented functional claim language must still be 
evaluated for sufficient disclosure under the written description and 
enablement requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a). As explained in further 
detail below, a specification must describe the claimed invention in 
sufficient detail (e.g., by disclosure of an algorithm) to establish 
that the applicant had possession of the claimed invention as of the 
application filing date. Additionally, any analysis of whether a 
particular claim is supported by the disclosure in an application 
requires a determination of whether that disclosure, when filed, 
contained sufficient information regarding the subject matter of the 
claims as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use 
the claimed invention. This enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) 
is separate and distinct from the written description requirement, 
Ariad, 598 F.3d at 1341, and serves the purpose of ``ensur[ing] that 
the invention is communicated to the interested public in a meaningful 
way,'' MPEP Sec.  2164.
    A. Written Description Requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): At issue in 
Vasudevan was whether the patent specification provided sufficient 
written description support for a limitation of the asserted claims. 
Vasudevan, 782 F.3d at 681-83. The Federal Circuit explained that 
``[t]he test for the sufficiency of the written description `is whether 
the disclosure of the application relied upon reasonably conveys to 
those skilled in the art that the inventor had possession of the 
claimed subject matter as of the filing date.' '' Id. at 682 (quoting 
Ariad, 598 F.3d at 1351). The Federal Circuit emphasized that ``[t]he 
written description requirement is not met if the specification merely 
describes a `desired result.' '' Vasudevan, 782 F.3d at 682 (quoting 
Ariad, 598 F.3d at 1349). Thus, in applying this standard to the 
computer-implemented functional claim at issue, the Federal Circuit 
stated that ``[t]he more telling question is whether the specification 
shows possession by the inventor of how [the claimed function] is 
achieved.'' Vasudevan, 782 F.3d at 683.
    In order to satisfy the written description requirement set forth 
in 35 U.S.C. 112(a), the specification must describe the claimed 
invention in sufficient detail such that one skilled in the art can 
reasonably conclude that the inventor had possession of the claimed 
invention at the time of filing. For instance, the specification must 
provide a sufficient description of an invention, not an indication of 
a result that one might achieve. The level of detail required to 
satisfy the written description requirement varies depending on the 
nature and scope of the claims and on the complexity and predictability 
of the relevant technology. Information that is well known in the art 
need not be described in detail in the specification. However, 
sufficient information must be provided to show that the inventor had 
possession of the invention as claimed. See MPEP Sec.  2163, subsection 
II(A)(2).
    The analysis of whether the specification complies with the written 
description requirement calls for the examiner to compare the scope of 
the claim with the scope of the description to determine whether 
applicant has demonstrated possession of the claimed invention. Id.; 
see also Reiffin v. Microsoft Corp., 214 F.3d 1342, 1345 (Fed. Cir. 
2000) (``The purpose of [the written description requirement] is to 
ensure that the scope of the right to exclude, as set forth in the 
claims, does not overreach the scope of the inventor's contribution to 
the field of art as described in the patent specification''); 
LizardTech Inc. v. Earth Resource Mapping Inc., 424 F.3d 1336, 1345 
(Fed. Cir. 2005) (``Whether the flaw in the specification is regarded 
as a failure to demonstrate that the applicant possessed the full scope 
of the invention recited in [the claim] or a failure to enable the full 
breadth of that claim, the specification provides inadequate support 
for the claim under [Sec.  112(a)]''); cf. id. (``A claim will not be 
invalidated on [Sec.  ] 112 grounds simply because the embodiments of 
the specification do not contain examples explicitly covering the full 
scope of the claim language.''). While ``[t]here is no special rule for 
supporting a genus by the disclosure of a species,'' the Federal 
Circuit has stated that ``[w]hether the genus is supported vel non 
depends upon the state of the art and the nature and breadth of the 
genus.'' Hynix Semiconductor Inc. v. Rambus Inc., 645 F.3d 1336, 1352 
(Fed. Cir. 2011); id. (further explaining that ``so long as disclosure 
of the species is sufficient to convey to one skilled in the art that 
the inventor possessed the subject matter of the genus, the genus will 
be supported by an adequate written description.''). See also Rivera v. 
Int'l Trade Comm'n, 857 F.3d 1315, 1319-21 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (affirming 
the Commission's findings that ``the specification did not provide the 
necessary written description support for the full breadth of the 
asserted claims,'' where the claims were broadly drawn to a ``container 
. . . adapted to hold brewing material'' while the specification 
disclosed only a ``pod adapter assembly'' or ``receptacle'' designed to 
hold a ``pod'').
    Computer-implemented inventions are at times disclosed and claimed 
in terms of their functionality. For computer-implemented functional 
claims, the determination of the sufficiency of the disclosure will 
require an inquiry into the sufficiency of both the disclosed hardware 
and the disclosed software (i.e., ``how [the claimed function] is 
achieved,'' Vasudevan, 782 F.3d at 683), due to the interrelationship 
and interdependence of computer hardware and software. When examining 
computer-implemented, software-related claims, examiners should 
determine whether the specification discloses the computer and the 
algorithm(s) that achieve the claimed function in sufficient detail 
that one of ordinary skill in the art can reasonably conclude that the 
inventor possessed the claimed subject matter at the time of filing. An 
algorithm is defined, for example, as ``a finite sequence of steps for 
solving a logical or

[[Page 62]]

mathematical problem or performing a task.'' Microsoft Computer 
Dictionary (5th ed., 2002). Applicant may ``express that algorithm in 
any understandable terms including as a mathematical formula, in prose, 
or as a flow chart, or in any other manner that provides sufficient 
structure.'' Finisar, 523 F.3d at 1340 (internal citation omitted). It 
is not enough that one skilled in the art could theoretically write a 
program to achieve the claimed function, rather the specification 
itself must explain how the claimed function is achieved to demonstrate 
that the applicant had possession of it. See, e.g., Vasudevan, 782 F.3d 
at 682-83. If the specification does not provide a disclosure of the 
computer and algorithm(s) in sufficient detail to demonstrate to one of 
ordinary skill in the art that the inventor possessed the invention 
that achieves the claimed result, a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) 
for lack of written description must be made. See MPEP Sec.  2161.01, 
subsection I.
    For example, in Vasudevan, the Federal Circuit evaluated ``whether 
the specification shows possession by the inventor of how accessing 
disparate databases is achieved.'' Vasudevan, 782 F.3d at 683. The 
defendant in district court argued that ``the specification does not 
show that the inventor had possession of the ability to access 
`disparate databases' '' because ``the specification describes a 
result, but does not show how to achieve the result.'' Id. at 682. On 
appeal, however, the Federal Circuit found that expert testimony given 
in the district court raises ``a genuine issue of material fact on 
whether the specification shows how to achieve the functionality of 
accessing disparate databases.'' Id. at 683. The expert had opined that 
specific portions of the specification explain ``that serialized files 
can be used to correlate parameters from two databases,'' and that 
``those correlation parameters can be used to identify data in one 
database that is correlated to data in another.'' Id. The Federal 
Circuit ruled that this expert opinion raises a genuine issue of fact 
as to whether the inventor has possession of an invention that achieved 
the claimed result. Id. MPEP Sec.  2161.01, subsection I and MPEP Sec.  
2163 contain additional information on determining whether there is 
adequate written description support for computer-implemented 
functional claim limitations.
    B. Enablement Requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): At issue in 
Vasudevan was also whether the patent specification enabled a person of 
skill in the art to make and use the claimed invention. Vasudevan, 782 
F.3d at 683-85. The Federal Circuit explained that ``[a] claim is 
sufficiently enabled even if `a considerable amount of experimentation' 
is necessary, so long as the experimentation `is merely routine, or if 
the specification in question provides a reasonable amount of guidance 
with respect to the direction in which the experimentation should 
proceed.' '' Id. at 684 (quoting In re Wands, 858 F.2d 731, 737 (Fed. 
Cir. 1988)). ``On the other hand, if `undue experimentation' is needed, 
the claims are invalid.'' Id. ``In determining whether experimentation 
is undue, Wands lists a number of factors to consider: `They include 
(1) the quantity of experimentation necessary, (2) the amount of 
direction or guidance presented, (3) the presence or absence of working 
examples, (4) the nature of the invention, (5) the state of the prior 
art, (6) the relative skill of those in the art, (7) the predictability 
or unpredictability of the art, and (8) the breadth of the claims.' '' 
Id.
    To satisfy the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a), the 
specification must teach those skilled in the art how to make and use 
the full scope of the claimed invention without undue experimentation. 
All questions of enablement under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) are evaluated 
against the claimed subject matter with the focus of the examination 
inquiry being whether everything within the scope of the claim is 
enabled. Accordingly, examiners should determine what each claim 
recites and what subject matter is encompassed by the claim when the 
claim is considered as a whole, not when its parts are analyzed 
individually. See MPEP Sec.  2161.01, subsection III, and MPEP Sec.  
2164.08.
    Not everything necessary to practice the invention need be 
disclosed. Trs. of Bos. Univ. v. Everlight Elecs. Co., LTD., 896 F.3d 
1357, 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (explaining that while ``the specification 
must enable the full scope of the claimed invention[,]'' ``[t]his is 
not to say that the specification must expressly spell out every 
possible iteration of every claim.''). For instance, `` `a 
specification need not disclose what is well known in the art.' '' Id. 
(quoting Genentech, Inc. v. Novo Nordisk A/S, 108 F.3d 1361, 1366 (Fed. 
Cir. 1997)); see also AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac & Ugine, 344 F.3d 1234, 
1244 (Fed. Cir. 2003). This is of particular importance with respect to 
computer-implemented inventions due to the high level of skill in the 
art and the similarly high level of predictability in generating 
programs to achieve an intended result without undue experimentation. 
However, applicant cannot rely on the knowledge of one skilled in the 
art to supply information that is required to enable the novel aspect 
of the claimed invention when the enabling knowledge is in fact not 
known in the art. See MPEP Sec.  2161.01, subsection III, and MPEP 
Sec.  2164.08.
    The Federal Circuit has repeatedly held that the specification must 
teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the full scope of 
the claimed invention without undue experimentation. See Trs. of Bos. 
Univ., 896 F.3d at 1364 (`` `The scope of enablement . . . is that 
which is disclosed in the specification plus the scope of what would be 
known to one of ordinary skill in the art without undue 
experimentation.' '' (quoting Nat'l Recovery Techs., Inc. v. Magnetic 
Separation Sys., Inc., 166 F.3d 1190, 1196 (Fed. Cir. 1999))). For 
example, in Sitrick v. Dreamworks, LLC, 516 F.3d 993 (Fed. Cir. 2008), 
the claims at issue were directed to ``integrating'' or 
``substituting'' a user's audio signal or visual image into a pre-
existing video game or movie. Id. at 995-97. While the claims covered 
both video games and movies, the specification only taught the skilled 
artisan how to substitute and integrate user images into video games. 
Id. at 1000. The Federal Circuit held that the specification ``did not 
enable the full scope of the asserted claims'' because ``one skilled in 
the art could not take the disclosure in the specification with respect 
to substitution or integration of user images in video games and 
substitute a user image for a pre-existing character image in movies 
without undue experimentation.'' Id.
    With respect to the breadth of a claim, the relevant concern is 
whether the scope of enablement provided to one skilled in the art by 
the disclosure is commensurate with the scope of protection sought by 
the claims. In making this determination, examiners should consider (1) 
how broad the claim is with respect to the disclosure and (2) whether 
one skilled in the art could make and use the entire scope of the 
claimed invention without undue experimentation. See MPEP Sec.  
2161.01, subsection III, and MPEP Sec.  2164.08. A rejection for lack 
of enablement must be made when the specification does not enable the 
full scope of the claim. For more information regarding the enablement 
requirement, see MPEP Sec. Sec.  2164.01 through 2164.08.


[[Page 63]]


    Dated: December 20, 2018.
Andrei Iancu,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of 
the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
[FR Doc. 2018-28283 Filed 1-4-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-16-P


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