Means-Plus-Function Statements of Law

Summary

This practice note provides statements of law describing when a utility patent claim should be interpreted as a "means-plus-function" or "step-plus-function" claim (functional claims) in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) and the sixth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112. This note will also describe how the scope of a functional claim should be construed and applied for purposes of determining infringement.