Definition
Enablement is the legal requirement that a patent’s specification describe the invention clearly enough for a skilled person to make and use it without undue experimentation.
Why It Matters Legally
Enablement is a frequent ground for invalidation, especially in chemistry and biotech. A patent that claims more than it teaches can be struck down, so the breadth of the claims must match the depth of the description.
Example Use Case
A patent claims a broad class of compounds but only describes how to make one, and a court invalidates the broad claim for lack of enablement.
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Related Terms
Written Description, Specification, Patent Claim, Patentability, Patent Validity