What is the “markedly different characteristics” analysis in patent examination?

The “markedly different characteristics” analysis is a key part of determining the patent eligibility of nature-based products. According to the MPEP Section 2106.04(b): “When a claim recites a nature-based product limitation, examiners should use the markedly different characteristics analysis discussed in MPEP § 2106.04(c) to evaluate the nature-based product limitation and determine the answer to…

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How does insignificant extra-solution activity relate to the well-understood, routine, conventional consideration?

The relationship between insignificant extra-solution activity and the well-understood, routine, conventional consideration is addressed in MPEP 2106.05(g). The MPEP states: “Because this overlaps with the well-understood, routine, conventional consideration, it should not be considered in the Step 2A Prong Two extra-solution activity analysis.” This means that when evaluating whether an additional element is insignificant extra-solution…

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How does a “clear improvement” affect the patent eligibility analysis?

A “clear improvement” to technology or computer functionality can significantly simplify the patent eligibility analysis. According to MPEP § 2106.06(b): “In these cases, when the claims were viewed as a whole, their eligibility was self-evident based on the clear improvement, so no further analysis was needed.“ This means that if a claim demonstrates a clear…

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