What are the key factors in determining if a machine is “particular” for patent eligibility?

When determining if a machine is “particular” enough to integrate an abstract idea into a practical application for patent eligibility, examiners consider several key factors:

• The machine’s specificity: A general-purpose computer is not typically considered a particular machine, while a specialized computer system might be.
• The degree to which the machine implements the steps of the method: The more integral the machine is to the performance of the method, the more likely it is to be considered “particular.”
• Whether the machine is integral to the claim: If the machine is merely an object on which the method operates, it may not be sufficiently particular.
• The nature of the machine’s involvement: A machine that is merely a conduit for performing the abstract idea is less likely to be considered “particular.”

As stated in MPEP 2106.05(b): “The particularity or generality of the elements of the machine or apparatus, i.e., the degree to which the machine in the claim can be specifically identified (not any and all machines).”

To learn more:

• particular machine
• patent eligibility
• abstract idea
• practical application