How does the USPTO evaluate “improvements to the functioning of a computer” in Step 2B?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The USPTO evaluates “improvements to the functioning of a computer” in Step 2B by looking for specific, technical improvements that go beyond mere abstract ideas. According to MPEP 2106.05(a) : “An improvement in the functioning of a computer, or an improvement to other technology or technical field, as discussed in MPEP §§ 2106.04(d)(1) and 2106.05(a), may integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more.” To be considered an improvement, the claimed invention should: Provide a technical explanation of the improvement in the specification Reflect the improvement in the claims Offer a solution to a problem in the relevant field Be more than a mere assertion of an improvement without substantive details Examiners will consider whether the claimed invention improves the computer’s functionality or efficiency, or otherwise changes the way the computer operates. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Evaluating Improvements to Computer Functioning MPEP 2106.05(a) Recommended Claim Must Include Significantly More Than Abstract Idea MPEP 2106 Prohibited Claim Must Recite Significantly More Than Exception for Eligibility MPEP 2106.05 Recommended Improvement to Computer Functionality Is Required for Eligibility MPEP 2106.05(a) Improvements to Computer Functioning Must Be Evaluated at Both Steps MPEP 2106.05(a) Improvement to Computer Animation Must Be Specific MPEP 2106.05(a) Improvement to Computer Animation Must Be Described MPEP 2106.05(a) Claim Must Amount to Significantly More Than Abstract Idea MPEP 2106.05 Requirement for Significantly More Than Abstract Idea MPEP 2106.05 Improvement Requires More ...