Legal Definitions - subcombination claim

A subcombination claim is a specific type of patent claim that focuses on protecting an inventive component or a smaller group of components that exist within a larger, more complex invention. Instead of claiming the entire invention, a subcombination claim seeks to protect a particular part or subsystem that is novel and useful on its own, even if it's designed to be integrated into a larger system.

This approach allows inventors to secure protection for innovative elements that might have independent utility, be manufactured and sold separately, or be incorporated into different products beyond the primary invention.

• Example 1: Advanced Bicycle Design

  Imagine an inventor develops a completely new electric bicycle (the larger invention) that includes a novel, self-charging battery system integrated into the frame. While the inventor might have claims for the entire electric bicycle, they could also include a subcombination claim specifically for the unique self-charging battery system itself. This protects the innovative battery technology, allowing the inventor to prevent others from using or selling just that battery system, even if it's incorporated into a different type of vehicle or sold as a standalone power unit.

• Example 2: Smart Home Appliance

  Consider a company that invents a sophisticated smart refrigerator (the larger invention) equipped with an innovative internal air purification module that extends food freshness significantly. The company could file patent claims for the entire smart refrigerator. However, they might also include a subcombination claim specifically for the unique air purification module. This ensures that their novel purification technology is protected, even if another company decides to incorporate a similar module into a different appliance, like a pantry system or a food storage container, without infringing on the full refrigerator patent.

• Example 3: Medical Diagnostic Device

  A research team develops a new, comprehensive medical diagnostic machine (the larger invention) capable of performing multiple tests. Within this machine, there's a groundbreaking sensor array that can detect specific biomarkers with unprecedented accuracy. The team could pursue patent claims for the entire diagnostic machine. Additionally, they would likely include a subcombination claim for the novel sensor array itself. This protects their core sensor technology, enabling them to license or sell the sensor array for use in other medical devices, research tools, or even environmental monitoring systems, independent of the full diagnostic machine.