The phrase "ambiguity of words in patents excludes verification" refers to a legal principle stating that any uncertainty or unclear language in a patent cannot be clarified through external evidence. This means that if a patent contains ambiguous terms, those terms must be interpreted based solely on the text of the patent itself, without considering outside information or proof.
This principle is primarily used in patent law. It is relevant in cases where the language of a patent is challenged or interpreted in court. The maxim emphasizes the importance of clarity in patent documents, as any ambiguity can lead to disputes over patent rights. Users can manage related issues by utilizing legal templates provided by US Legal Forms, which can help ensure that their patent applications are clear and unambiguous.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(Hypothetical example) A company files a patent for a new type of engine but uses vague terms like "improved efficiency." If a competitor challenges the patent, the court will not consider any expert testimony or external documents to clarify what "improved efficiency" means; the decision will be based solely on the language in the patent itself.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Patent Ambiguity | Unclear language in a patent document. | Focuses on the language of the patent itself. |
| Extrinsic Evidence | Information from outside the patent document. | Cannot be used to clarify patent ambiguity. |
If you find yourself dealing with a patent that has ambiguous language, consider the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
You may face challenges in enforcing your patent rights, as courts will not consider external evidence to clarify the ambiguity.