• For instance, a functional claim is too broad if it purports to include every other possible way of accomplishing a function. A claim on a chemical is more likely to be rejected for undue breadth than a claim on a machine, because future discoveries are less predictable. [Cases: Patents 124. C.J.S. Patents § 210.]
undue breadth rejection
Rejection of a patent claim on the ground that it seeks a patent monopoly on more than the invention.