Prasad Patwardhan (Techno-Legal professional) 20 October 2013

Difference between method, system and apparatus

In the Patent title, these words are commonly used- Method, System, Apparatus. As matter of practice, the title containing Method denotes a Process whereas System and Apparatus denote a Product. System would mean a product with plurality of Apparatus whereas Apparatus would mean a product with single device. Using a combination of System and Method ( Or Apparatus and Method) would denote a Product + Process that is used to create the product.

I want to know how this jargon is interpreted , its real meaning according to Patent Offices in India and USPTO.

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3 Replies

subramanian (consultant) 26 October 2013

In the INdian patent office one can file a claim for method,product and an application using the product.For example if one were to file an application in the field of electrical engg say for a circuit breaker you can file a set of claims for a method of manufa turing the circuit breaker followed by a set of claims for the circuit breaker and finally a claim for a electrical power system contai ing the circuit breaker which is taken as the applicatio(system)

T.R.Subramanian

Ex controller general of patents designs and trademarks.

Hemalatha (Team Leader) 17 January 2014

Method explains about the process involved in manufacturing, forming, etc, . product.. Whereas apparatus and system explains what are the components used to perform those processes and the arrangement of that components.