Legal Definitions - vague-and-indefinite rejection

Definition: Vague-and-indefinite rejection is a refusal to accept a contractual offer or tendered goods as contractual performance. It is a rejection that is unclear and not specific enough for a person of ordinary skill in the relevant field to understand.

Example: In patent law, a vague-and-indefinite rejection occurs when a patent claim is not clear enough for a person of ordinary skill in the art to understand. For example, if a patent claim uses terms that have multiple meanings, it may be rejected as vague and indefinite. This type of rejection can also occur in contractual agreements if the terms are not specific enough for both parties to understand their obligations.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a vague-and-indefinite rejection can occur in patent law and contractual agreements. In both cases, the rejection is based on the lack of clarity and specificity in the terms used. This type of rejection can be problematic because it can lead to misunderstandings and disputes between parties. It is important for contracts and patent claims to be clear and specific to avoid vague-and-indefinite rejection.