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Simple English definitions for legal terms
enablement requirement
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A quick definition of enablement requirement:
Enablement Requirement: In order to get a patent, the description of the invention in the patent application must be clear enough so that someone who knows about the subject can make and use the invention without too much difficulty. This is called the enablement requirement. If the description meets this requirement, it is called enabling.
A more thorough explanation:
The enablement requirement is a rule in patents that states the specification of a patent application must describe the invention in a way that a person with ordinary skill in the relevant field can make and use the invention without undue experimentation. This means that the patent must provide enough information for someone to replicate the invention without having to do extensive research or testing.
For example, if someone invents a new type of battery, the patent application must provide enough information about the materials, construction, and operation of the battery so that someone with knowledge in the field of batteries can make and use the invention without having to do extensive research or experimentation.
Another example would be if someone invents a new type of software program. The patent application must provide enough information about the code, algorithms, and functionality of the program so that someone with knowledge in the field of software development can create and use the program without having to do extensive research or experimentation.
These examples illustrate how the enablement requirement ensures that patents provide enough information for others to replicate the invention without undue experimentation. This requirement helps to promote innovation and progress by allowing others to build upon existing inventions and create new ones.