What are the main categories of abstract ideas?

According to the MPEP, there are three main groupings of abstract ideas:

  • Mathematical concepts
  • Certain methods of organizing human activity
  • Mental processes

The MPEP states: “The enumerated groupings of abstract ideas are defined as:

  1. Mathematical concepts – mathematical relationships, mathematical formulas or equations, mathematical calculations
  2. Certain methods of organizing human activity – fundamental economic principles or practices (including hedging, insurance, mitigating risk); commercial or legal interactions (including agreements in the form of contracts; legal obligations; advertising, marketing or sales activities or behaviors; business relations); managing personal behavior or relationships or interactions between people (including social activities, teaching, and following rules or instructions)
  3. Mental processes – concepts performed in the human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion)“

    These groupings provide a framework for identifying abstract ideas in patent claims.

    To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability, MPEP 2106.04(A) - Abstract Ideas, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Abstract Ideas, Mathematical Concepts, Mental Processes, Methods Of Organizing Human Activity, Patent Eligibility, subject matter eligibility