Legal Definitions - example

In patent law, an example refers to a specific, detailed description of one particular way an invention can be made, used, or implemented. It provides concrete details about a specific version or 'embodiment' of the invention, demonstrating how it works or how it can be constructed, rather than just a general concept.

Here are some examples illustrating this term:

• Example 1: A New Bicycle Suspension System

  Imagine a patent application for an innovative bicycle suspension system designed to absorb shocks more effectively. An example within this patent might describe a specific prototype of the suspension. This description would detail the exact materials used for the springs (e.g., a specific alloy of titanium), the precise dimensions and geometry of the linkage arms, the type and viscosity of the hydraulic fluid in the damper, and the specific manufacturing process for assembling these components. This detailed account illustrates one concrete way the new suspension system can be built and function.

• Example 2: A Novel Water Purification Method

  Consider a patent for a new method of purifying drinking water using a unique filtration process. An example in this patent could outline a step-by-step procedure for purifying water from a specific source, such as a contaminated river. It would specify the exact pore size of a particular membrane filter, the duration and flow rate of water through a UV sterilization chamber, the chemical composition and quantity of a flocculant added, and the precise sequence of these treatment stages. This detailed process demonstrates one specific way the purification method can be put into practice.

• Example 3: A Secure Data Encryption Algorithm

  Suppose a company patents a new algorithm for encrypting sensitive data during online transactions. An example in the patent might describe a specific implementation of this algorithm within a hypothetical e-commerce platform. It would detail the exact mathematical operations performed on the data blocks, the length and generation method of the encryption key, the specific protocols used for key exchange, and the sequence of steps involved in both encrypting and decrypting a sample data packet. This provides a concrete illustration of how the secure encryption algorithm would function in a real-world application.