<div dir="auto">So we agree using "and/or" in claims is open to multiple interpretations. If you don't want to create a potential $$$litigation issue, use unambiguous language like "at least one of A, B or C" as suggested below. <div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I agree the examiner uses the broadest interpretation in prosecution so he/she just needs a reference with any of them. </div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Dec 1, 2023, 10:04 Patent Lawyer via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">We've seen this before, but I cannot find the discussion.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In an office action, an examiner writes:<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">All claim limitations that include "and/or" are interpreted as "or". If applicant disagrees with this interpretation, they are invited to amend the "and/or" to "and".<u></u><u></u></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I believe the examiner is wrong! And I will point that out.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">BUT I recall that there was some case that discussed this.
<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I would appreciate a pointer to a case or other reference discussing this issue.
<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Thanks in advance.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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