What are the four categories of inventions eligible for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. 101?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. According to MPEP 2104 , the four categories of inventions eligible for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. 101 are: Processes Machines Manufactures Compositions of matter The MPEP states: “ 35 U.S.C. 101 enumerates four categories of subject matter that Congress deemed to be appropriate subject matter for a patent: processes, machines, manufactures and compositions of matter. ” These categories define the scope of patentable subject matter under U.S. patent law. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Four Requirements for Patentability Under 35 U.S.C. 101 MPEP 2104 Exceptions to Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 2104 Requirement for Utility Under 35 U.S.C. 101 MPEP 2104 Requirement for Patent-Eligible Subject Matter MPEP 2104 Invention Must Fall Within 35 U.S.C. 101 Categories MPEP 2104 Required Requirement for Identical Subject Matter Not Claimed in Multiple Patents MPEP 2104 Invention Must Fall Within Statutory Categories MPEP 2104 Claimed Invention Must Fall Within Statutory Categories and Be Directed to Patent-Eligible Subject Matter MPEP 2104 Required Not All New and Useful Inventions Can Be Patented MPEP 2104 Requirement for New and Useful Inventions MPEP 2104 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the four requirements imposed by 35 U.S.C. 101? How does 35 U.S.C. 101 relate to the other sections of patent law? How does the Atomic Energy Act affect patent eligibility? What is the &#8220;one patent per invention&#8221; rule in 35 U.S.C. 101? What are the statutory categories for patentable inventions under 35 U.S.C. 101?