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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
nonstaple
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A quick definition of nonstaple:
Term: NONSTAPLE
Definition: Nonstaple refers to something that is not commonly used or needed on its own, but is a necessary component of a patented product or process. This means that it has little or no practical use outside of the patented invention. Patent holders have some control over the market for nonstaples through tying agreements, but if the thing supplied is a staple, the tying agreement is considered a restraint of trade.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A component of a patented product or process that has little or no practical use outside of the patent. Patent holders have limited control over the market for nonstaples through tying agreements, but if the component is a staple, the agreement is considered a restraint of trade.
- A specialized chemical used in a patented manufacturing process that has no other practical applications.
- A specific type of screw used in a patented product that cannot be easily substituted with a different type of screw.
These examples illustrate how nonstaples are components that are essential to a patented product or process, but have little or no use outside of that context. Patent holders can use tying agreements to control the market for these components, but only if they are nonstaples. If the component is a staple, such as a commonly used screw, then a tying agreement would be considered a restraint of trade.