ALL-ELEMENTS RULE
all-elements rule.Patents. The doctrine that each element of a claim must be present in an
allegedly infringing device in order to establish literal infringement. • This rule acts to limit the
doctrine of equivalents and prevent the doctrine’s application to an entire claim, rather than the
claim’s constituent elements. — Also termed all-limitations rule. Cf. ALL-STEPS RULE E;
INHERENCY DOCTRINE. [Cases: Patents 226.6. C.J.S. Patents § 415.] [Blacks Law 8th]