In accordance with patent laws, rules and procedures as related in the MPEP, which of the following transitional phrases exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps from the scope of a claim?
Explanation
Answer: E - As set forth in MPEP § 2111.03 states “[t]he transitional term ‘comprising’ [Answer (A)], which is synonymous with ‘including’ [Answer (D)], ‘containing’ [Answer (B)], or ‘characterized by’ [Answer (C)], is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Since Answers (A), (B), (C) and (D) are all open-ended transitional phrases they are incorrect answers. .
