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Simple English definitions for legal terms
functional limitation
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A quick definition of functional limitation:
Functional limitation is a term used in patent applications to describe what an invention does, rather than what it is. This type of definition can be tricky because it may be too broad and claim every possible way of doing the same thing. It is closely examined to ensure it is not too broad. If a patent claim is found to have a functional limitation, it may be rejected by a patent examiner.A more thorough explanation:
Functional limitation is a term used in patent applications to define an invention by what it does rather than what it is. This means that the patent claim is based on the function or purpose of the invention, rather than its specific structure or design.
For example, a patent claim for a "device that improves air quality" is a functional limitation because it defines the invention based on its purpose rather than its specific components or design.
However, functional limitations can be problematic because they can be too broad and claim every possible way of achieving the same function. This is why they are examined closely by patent examiners.
Overall, functional limitation is a way to define an invention based on its purpose or function, rather than its specific structure or design.