6. C.J.S. Patents § 415.]
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.