If you’ve ever come across the word “nonce,” you might not think much of it. In some contexts, it’s completely harmless. In old literature, it simply means “for the time being.” ...

Patent claims that use so-called “nonce words” in lieu of means plus function language can be correctly construed as applying the equivalent of means plus function language under 35 USC §112 ...

If it is shown, however, that the claim uses language or a word—a “nonce” word—that substitutes for the word “means,” the presumption can be rebutted. Addressing whether the ...