What is considered “well-understood, routine, conventional activity” in patent claims?

“Well-understood, routine, conventional activity” is a key concept in patent eligibility analysis. As explained in MPEP 2106.05(d): “A factual determination is required to support a conclusion that an additional element (or combination of additional elements) is well-understood, routine, conventional activity.” The MPEP provides several ways an examiner can support such a conclusion: A citation to…

Read More

What role do “well-understood, routine, conventional activities” play in Step 2B analysis?

“Well-understood, routine, conventional activities” play a crucial role in Step 2B analysis of patent eligibility. According to MPEP 2106.05(d): “Another consideration when determining whether a claim recites significantly more than a judicial exception is whether the additional element(s) are well-understood, routine, conventional activities previously known to the industry.” Key points about well-understood, routine, conventional activities…

Read More

What is the “transformation or reduction of an article” consideration in practical application analysis?

What is the “transformation or reduction of an article” consideration in practical application analysis? The “transformation or reduction of an article” consideration is one of the factors used to determine if a claim integrates a judicial exception into a practical application. According to MPEP 2106.04(d): “Effecting a transformation or reduction of a particular article to…

Read More

How does “transformation” factor into patent eligibility?

Transformation of an article to a different state or thing is an important consideration in patent eligibility analysis. MPEP 2106.05(c) states: “Transformation and reduction of an article ‘to a different state or thing’ is the clue to patentability of a process claim that does not include particular machines.” The MPEP provides some factors to consider:…

Read More

What is a streamlined eligibility analysis?

A streamlined eligibility analysis is a simplified approach for assessing patent eligibility when a claim’s eligibility is self-evident. According to MPEP 2106.06(a), “A streamlined eligibility analysis can be used for a claim that may or may not recite a judicial exception but, when viewed as a whole, clearly does not seek to tie up any…

Read More

What is the significance of the “apply it” analysis in patent eligibility?

The “apply it” analysis is a crucial part of determining patent eligibility, particularly in the context of claims involving abstract ideas or judicial exceptions. The MPEP 2106.05(f) emphasizes its importance: “As explained by the Supreme Court, in order to make a claim directed to a judicial exception patent-eligible, the additional element or combination of elements…

Read More

When is a claim’s eligibility considered self-evident?

A claim’s eligibility is considered self-evident when it clearly does not attempt to monopolize a judicial exception. The MPEP 2106.06(a) states: “Such claims do not need to proceed through the full analysis herein as their eligibility will be self-evident.” Examples of self-evident eligibility include: Complex manufactured industrial products or processes with meaningful limitations Claims that…

Read More