Legal Definitions - aggregation

In patent law, aggregation refers to a collection of individual components or steps that are simply placed together without any functional or structural interaction between them. In an aggregation, each part performs its own independent function, and the overall result is merely the sum of the individual functions, rather than a new or enhanced outcome arising from the parts working together. Because the components do not cooperate to produce a novel or unexpected result beyond what each part already does on its own, an aggregation is generally considered unpatentable as it lacks the inventive step required for a patent. It is distinct from a "combination," where elements integrate and influence each other to achieve a synergistic effect.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of aggregation:

• Example 1: A Multi-Function Kitchen Appliance

  Imagine a single kitchen appliance that houses a blender, a food processor, and an electric kettle within one casing. The blender purees ingredients, the food processor chops vegetables, and the kettle boils water. Each component operates entirely independently; the blender's function does not affect the food processor, nor does the kettle influence either. The "invention" is essentially three separate appliances conveniently packaged together.

  This illustrates aggregation because the individual components perform their standard functions without any cooperative interaction to achieve a new or improved overall result. The device simply offers three distinct, unrelated functionalities side-by-side, rather than a new, combined invention where the parts work together synergistically.

• Example 2: A Software Suite with Unintegrated Tools

  Consider a software package marketed as an "all-in-one creative suite" that includes a standalone photo editor, a video editing program, and a music composition tool. While all are useful for creative tasks, they are simply bundled together. There are no unique features that allow, for instance, the photo editor to dynamically generate effects for the video editor based on a new algorithm, or for the music tool to automatically synchronize with specific visual cues in the video editor in a novel, integrated way. Each program functions exactly as it would if purchased separately.

  This demonstrates aggregation because the individual software applications merely exist within the same package without any novel integration or interaction that creates a new, combined functionality. Users gain convenient access to separate tools, but not a new, combined invention where the parts work together to produce a unique, enhanced outcome.

• Example 3: A Combined Garden Tool

  Picture a garden tool that consists of a shovel blade attached to one end of a handle, and a rake head attached to the other end. The shovel is used for digging, and the rake is used for gathering leaves. The act of digging with the shovel does not enhance the raking function, nor does raking somehow improve the shovel's ability to dig. The user simply flips the tool to access the desired function.

  This is an aggregation because the shovel and rake components perform their traditional functions independently. There is no cooperative action between them that produces a new or unexpected result beyond what each tool achieves on its own. It's a convenient combination of two tools, but not an invention where the parts interact to create a synergistic effect.