What is a “clear improvement” in patent eligibility?

A “clear improvement” in patent eligibility refers to improvements to technology or computer functionality that are not abstract when appropriately claimed. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 2106.06(b) states:

“As explained by the Federal Circuit, some improvements to technology or to computer functionality are not abstract when appropriately claimed, and thus claims to such improvements do not always need to undergo the full eligibility analysis.“

This means that if a claim clearly demonstrates an improvement to technology or computer functionality, it may be considered patent-eligible without going through the entire Alice/Mayo test.

To learn more:

• patent eligibility
• clear improvement
• technology improvement
• computer functionality