What are the Graham factors in patent obviousness analysis?

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.

The Graham factors, established by the Supreme Court in Graham v. John Deere Co., are four key considerations used in determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103. These factors are:

• The scope and content of the prior art
• The differences between the prior art and the claimed invention
• The level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art
• Objective evidence of nonobviousness (secondary considerations)

As stated in MPEP 2141: “The Graham factual inquiries … are to be considered when making a determination of obviousness.” Examiners must consider these factors when evaluating whether a claimed invention is obvious in light of the prior art.