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Simple English definitions for legal terms

file-wrapper estoppel

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A quick definition of file-wrapper estoppel:

File-wrapper estoppel is a legal term that refers to a rule that limits a patent holder's ability to claim that their invention is equivalent to another invention. This rule is based on the fact that during the process of obtaining a patent, the patent holder may have given up certain elements of their invention. As a result, they cannot later claim that those elements are equivalent to another invention. This rule is also known as estoppel on the record or file-wrapper estoppel.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: File-wrapper estoppel is a legal principle that limits a patent holder's ability to claim infringement based on the doctrine of equivalents. It arises from the prosecution history of a patent, which is the record of communications between the patent applicant and the patent office during the process of obtaining the patent.

Example: Suppose a patent application claims a device with a certain feature, but the patent office rejects the claim as too broad. The applicant then amends the claim to exclude the feature and the patent is granted. Later, the patent holder sues a competitor for infringement, arguing that the competitor's device is equivalent to the patented device. The competitor could argue that the patent holder is estopped from making this claim because they surrendered the feature during the prosecution of the patent.

Explanation: This example illustrates how file-wrapper estoppel can limit a patent holder's ability to assert infringement based on the doctrine of equivalents. By amending the claim to exclude the feature, the patent holder effectively disclaimed it and cannot later argue that the competitor's device infringes based on that feature. This principle helps to ensure that patents are granted only for what is actually invented and claimed, rather than for broader concepts that are later asserted through the doctrine of equivalents.

file-wrapper continuation application | filia

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18:41
I think I just wouldn’t reach out and if they ask for them then say that
Dkk
18:41
@tgm Yeah sounds good, say that if they ask
18:47
hey yall
18:47
im premed idk why im here
18:48
we’re like cool and sexy and fun I get it
18:48
true i love ur user
18:49
thank you my little crow friend
Dkk
18:50
Med law easy done
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
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