How do examiners evaluate “other meaningful limitations” in patent applications?

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.

Patent examiners evaluate “other meaningful limitations” in patent applications following the guidance provided in MPEP 2106.05(e). The evaluation process typically involves:

• Identifying the judicial exception (abstract idea, law of nature, or natural phenomenon) in the claim.
• Analyzing additional elements individually and in combination to determine if they integrate the exception into a practical application.
• Assessing whether the limitations go beyond generally linking the use of the judicial exception to a particular technological environment.
• Considering if the limitations impose meaningful limits on the judicial exception.

The MPEP emphasizes: “Examiners should carefully consider each claim on its own merits, as well as evaluate all pending claims as a whole when making a determination on patent eligibility.“

Examiners look for elements that demonstrate a transformation of the abstract idea into something more, such as improvements to technology or computer functionality, or application of the judicial exception in a meaningful way beyond general linking to a particular field.