How can an applicant respond to a patent-eligible subject matter rejection?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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 2106.07(b), an applicant can respond to a rejection based on failure to claim patent-eligible subject matter in three main ways:

  • Amend the claim to add additional elements or modify existing elements
  • Present persuasive arguments based on a good faith belief as to why the rejection is in error
  • Submit evidence traversing the subject matter eligibility rejection

The MPEP states: “In response to a rejection based on failure to claim patent-eligible subject matter, applicant may: (i) amend the claim, e.g., to add additional elements or modify existing elements so that the claim as a whole amounts to significantly more than the judicial exception, (or integrates the judicial exception into a practical application), (ii) present persuasive arguments based on a good faith belief as to why the rejection is in error and/or (iii) submit evidence traversing a subject matter eligibility rejection according to the procedures set forth in MPEP § 716.01 and 37 CFR 1.132.

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability MPEP 2106.07(B) - Evaluating Applicant'S Response Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Eligibility Rejection Response, office action response, Patent Eligibility, Practical Application, Traversing 101