We are currently developing a new site to host the Patent Manual of Practice and Procedure. The BETA version of this site is now available for you to review. The information and content displayed in the BETA site is only available for testing purposes. Do not use or reference the information in the BETA site when making any decisions or actions regarding IP rights.

2.11.3.12 Relative Terms

Date Published

Note: The information in this part only applies to:

  • standard patent applications with an examination request filed before 15 April 2013.  
  • innovation patents with an examination request filed before 15 April 2013.
  • innovation patents where the Commissioner decided before 15 April 2013 to examine the patent.

For all other standard patent applications/innovation patents, see 2.11.3.12A Relative Terms.

A specification may describe an invention by way of relative terms.  This does not usually present a problem with the construction of the specification, provided the skilled addressee can determine what is encompassed by the claims.

In particular, a specification does not lack full description merely because some experimentation of a routine nature is necessary to perform the invention. In Poseidon Industri A.B. v Cerosa Limited (1982) FSR 209, the patent related to a diving suit with a "close fit", such that only a "minimum air layer" could form between the suit and the diver's body. It was held that the patent was not bad for insufficiency, even though the specification made use of a relative term which did not describe how much room there should be between the diver and the suit. In this case, "a little ordinary trial and error" would be sufficient to ascertain the satisfactory minimum layer of air.

See also Catnic Components Limited v Hill & Smith Limited (1982) RPC 183.

Back to top