Legal Definitions - reverse doctrine of equivalents

The reverse doctrine of equivalents is a legal principle that prevents a product or process from being considered an infringement of a patent if it performs the same function as the patented invention but in a substantially different way. This is the opposite of the doctrine of equivalents, which allows for infringement to be found even if the accused product or process falls outside the literal scope of the patent claims.

For example, if a patent claims a specific method for producing a chemical compound, and another company produces the same compound using a different method, they may not be found to be infringing on the patent under the reverse doctrine of equivalents.

The reverse doctrine of equivalents is intended to prevent patent holders from claiming infringement over products or processes that are significantly different from their invention, but still perform the same function. It allows for innovation and competition in the marketplace.