On March 18, 2024, the USPTO issued a memorandum to its Examiners reminding them of the resources and proper analysis for interpreting limitations under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), which are commonly referred to as “means-plus-function” or “step-plus-function” limitations. These types of claim formats provide an option to claim an element as a means or step for performing a specified function without reciting any structure, material, or acts.
