Legal Definitions - outline form

In the context of patents, outline form refers to a specific structural style used when writing patent claims. Instead of presenting an invention's features as a single, continuous paragraph, this method breaks down the claim into a series of distinct, numbered or lettered subparagraphs. Each subparagraph clearly identifies and describes a separate component, step, or characteristic (often called an "element") of the invention being claimed. This structured approach enhances clarity, making it easier for patent examiners and the public to understand the precise scope and individual features of the invention.

• Example 1: A Novel Mechanical Device
  Imagine a patent application for a new type of ergonomic office chair. A claim written in outline form might look like this:

  "A ergonomic office chair comprising:
  1. a base assembly with five caster wheels;
  2. a central pneumatic cylinder extending vertically from the base assembly;
  3. a seat pan adjustably mounted to the pneumatic cylinder;
  4. a backrest pivotally attached to the seat pan, wherein the backrest includes lumbar support; and
  5. a pair of adjustable armrests secured to the seat pan."

  This example illustrates outline form because each distinct part of the chair (base, cylinder, seat, backrest, armrests) is presented as a separate, numbered subparagraph. This makes it very clear what individual components are being claimed as part of the invention.

• Example 2: A New Software Method
  Consider a patent for an innovative method of securely authenticating a user on a digital platform. A claim using outline form could be:

  "A method for secure user authentication, comprising:
  a. receiving a user identifier and a password from a client device;
  b. hashing the received password using a cryptographic algorithm;
  c. comparing the hashed password with a stored hashed password associated with the user identifier;
  d. generating a unique session token upon a successful comparison; and
  e. transmitting the unique session token to the client device for subsequent requests."

  Here, the outline form is used to delineate each individual step in the authentication process using letters. This structure clearly breaks down the sequence of actions, making it easy to identify and analyze each specific operation being claimed as part of the new method.