ブログ

“Consisting Of” Claim Transition Does Not Exclude Unclaimed Impurities
この事件では、クレームの移行句にconsistingが使われていましたが、不純物が含まれている場合でも、”consisting of”のクレームの範囲内に入ると判断されました。
移行句は、次のように分類されます。
Open（他の要素が入ってもOK）: comprising, containing, including,
Close（他の要素が入ったら×）: consisting of
Semi-Close（重要な他の要素が入ったら×）：consisting essentially of
微妙な移行句：having→文脈に従って判断。
2111.03 Transitional Phrases [R-3]
The transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.
The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention.
Transitional phrases such as “having” must be interpreted in light of the specification to determine whether open or closed claim language is intended.