Legal Definitions - article of manufacture

An article of manufacture refers to a tangible, non-naturally occurring product that has been created or produced by human labor or machinery. It is a physical object, distinct from a natural product, a process, or a machine itself, and typically possesses a specific form, shape, and purpose resulting from a manufacturing process. This term is particularly relevant in patent law, where it defines a category of inventions eligible for protection, emphasizing the human-made aspect of a useful item.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A newly designed ergonomic office chair.

  Imagine a company invents an office chair with a unique lumbar support system and adjustable components that significantly improve posture and comfort. This chair is an article of manufacture because it is a physical product, entirely created by human design and manufacturing processes, rather than existing naturally. Its specific form, materials, and functional features are all results of human ingenuity and production.

• Example 2: A specialized surgical tool for minimally invasive procedures.

  Consider a novel surgical instrument designed with a unique tip and articulation mechanism to perform delicate operations through a tiny incision. This tool is an article of manufacture. It is a tangible object, precisely engineered and fabricated by humans for a specific medical purpose. It does not occur in nature, and its existence and function are entirely dependent on its design and manufacturing.

• Example 3: A reusable water bottle with an integrated, replaceable filtration system.

  Suppose an inventor develops a water bottle that incorporates a unique, built-in filter allowing users to purify water on the go. This bottle, with its distinct shape, materials, and integrated filtration components, is an article of manufacture. It is a physical item produced through a manufacturing process, designed to serve a practical function (holding and filtering water), and is not found in nature.