功能性限定特征中的等同实施方式和等同原则

梁  勇*

【摘要】在通讯电子等科技前沿领域，发明中某些部件的内部结构已不再是技术关注的重点，某些部件采用与否往往取决于其功能。在这些领域中，功能性限定特征业已成为权利要求的主要撰写方式之一。我国专利制度中并没有关于功能性限定特征的详细规定，理论上，对功能性限定特征的理解依然存在一定误区。本文借鉴美国法院的诸多案例，对等同实施方式和等同原则应用于功能性限定特征时，可能出现的问题和具体适用规则进行了详细梳理。

【关键词】功能性限定特征；功能性权利要求；等同实施方式；等同原则

The Equivalent and Doctrine of Equivalents of Means-Plus-Function Format

Liang Yong

Abstract: In the cutting-edge areas of science and technology, such as telecommunication and electronics, specific structure of a component in an invention was no longer the focus of technology. Whether a component is adopted or not is determined by its function. In these areas, means-plus-function format has been one of the main ways to claim a patent. However, there are no detailed provisions on means-plus-function limitations in our patent system. In theory, the meaning of means-plus-function limitation remains many misunderstandings. This paper studies the equivalents in interpretation of means-plus-function limitation and the doctrine of equivalents about means-plus-function limitation. By making reference to the case law system of United States, focusing on the equivalent and doctrine of equivalents when applied to means plus function limitation, this paper analyzes the issues that may arise and elaborates the specific applicable rules.

Keywords: means-plus-function; functional claiming; equivalent; doctrine of equivalents;

功能性限定特征中的等同实施方式和等同原则.pdf