What are the four statutory categories of patent-eligible subject matter?
The four statutory categories of patent-eligible subject matter, as defined in 35 U.S.C. 101, are:
- Processes
- Machines
- Manufactures
- Compositions of matter
As stated in the MPEP, “The latter three categories define ‘things’ or ‘products’ while the first category defines ‘actions’ (i.e., inventions that consist of a series of steps or acts to be performed).”
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2100 - Patentability,
MPEP 2106 - Patent Subject Matter Eligibility,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure