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10nm versus 7nm 10 years ago

It isn't. But if you move straight to 7nm you only need to recoup the costs for 7nm, not 10nm + 7nm.

I agree that it's the opposite of standard usage but that's how it's interpreted in patent language. Here's a quote straight from the USPTO website:

"The transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps." http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s2111.html

There are other non-standard interpretations in patent language. For example, "a" or "an" is not necessarily a singular but can mean "one or more". Also the inventor is free to provide their own definitions for words they use in the patent specification.

"Comprises" is a term that has a specific usage in patents. Comprises means that at least all of the listed elements must exist but other elements that are not mentioned in the claim may also be present.

The alternative phrase is "consists of" which means that only the listed elements may be present. I think it's mostly used when claiming chemical or molecular formulas.