What are examples of “other meaningful limitations” in patent claims?

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.

“Other meaningful limitations” in patent claims refer to elements that integrate an abstract idea into a practical application. According to MPEP 2106.05(e), examples include:

• Improvements to another technology or technical field
• Improvements to the functioning of the computer itself
• Applying the judicial exception with, or by use of, a particular machine
• Effecting a transformation or reduction of a particular article to a different state or thing
• Applying or using the judicial exception in some other meaningful way beyond generally linking the use of the judicial exception to a particular technological environment

The MPEP states: “The claim should add meaningful limitations beyond generally linking the use of the judicial exception to a particular technological environment to transform the judicial exception into patent-eligible subject matter.“