Legal Definitions - Patent Act of 1870

Definition: The Patent Act of 1870 was a law in the United States that changed the way patents were granted. Before this law, it was not necessary for a patent applicant to provide a detailed list of claims for their invention. This often led to confusion about what the patent actually covered. The Patent Act of 1870 required applicants to provide a clear and specific list of claims for their invention, making it easier to understand what was protected by the patent.

Example: Before the Patent Act of 1870, a patent might be granted for a new type of machine without specifying exactly what parts of the machine were new or different. This could lead to disputes over whether a competitor's machine was infringing on the patent. With the new law, the patent applicant would have to list specific claims, such as "a machine with a new type of gear system" or "a machine that can perform a specific task more efficiently." This made it easier for competitors to understand what was protected by the patent and avoid infringing on it.

Another example: Imagine someone invents a new type of bicycle that is faster and more comfortable to ride. Before the Patent Act of 1870, they might have been able to get a patent for "a new type of bicycle." But with the new law, they would have to list specific claims, such as "a bicycle with a new type of suspension system" or "a bicycle with a more aerodynamic frame." This would make it easier for other inventors to understand what was protected by the patent and come up with their own improvements that did not infringe on it.