Patent Claim Construction: A Modern Synthesis and Structured Framework

119 Pages Posted: 21 Sep 2009 Last revised: 15 Oct 2011

See all articles by Peter S. Menell

Peter S. Menell

UC Berkeley School of Law

Matthew D. Powers

Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP

Steven C. Carlson

Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP

Date Written: January 6, 2011

Abstract

The construction of patent claims plays a critical role in nearly every patent case. It is central to evaluation of infringement and validity, and can affect or determine the outcome of other significant issues such as unenforceability, enablement, and remedies. Yet jurists and scholars have long lamented the challenges of construing patent claim terms. Drawing upon more than a decade of working with the Federal Judicial Center, leading jurists in those districts with the largest patent dockets, experienced litigators, and academics, this article provides a pragmatic and cohesive framework and roadmaps for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape as well as guidance on the best practices for managing claim construction.

Keywords: Patent, Claim Construction, Patent Case Management, Patent Local Rules

JEL Classification: K39

Suggested Citation

Menell, Peter S. and Powers, Matthew D. and Carlson, Steven C., Patent Claim Construction: A Modern Synthesis and Structured Framework (January 6, 2011). Berkeley Technology Law Journal, Vol. 25, No. 2, p. 713, 2010, UC Berkeley Public Law Research Paper No. 1476395, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1476395

Peter S. Menell (Contact Author)

UC Berkeley School of Law ( email )

2240 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94720-7200
United States

Matthew D. Powers

Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP ( email )

201 Redwood Shores Parkway
Redwood Shores, CA 94065
United States

Steven C. Carlson

Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP ( email )

101 California St.
Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94111
United States

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