審査便覧-これにおいて#0026

“Adapted to,” “Adapted for,”
“Wherein,” and “Whereby” Clauses

Claim scope is not limited by claim language that suggests or makes optional but does not require steps to be performed, or by claim language that does not limit a claim to a particular structure. However, examples of claim language, although not exhaustive, that may raise a question as to the limiting effect of the language in a claim are:

(A) “adapted to” or “adapted for” clauses;

(B) “wherein” clauses; and

(C) “whereby” clauses.