What are the specific categories of abstract ideas recognized by the USPTO?
The USPTO recognizes four main categories of abstract ideas:
- Mathematical concepts: Including mathematical relationships, formulas, equations, and calculations.
- Certain methods of organizing human activity: Such as fundamental economic principles, commercial interactions, and managing personal behavior or relationships.
- Mental processes: Concepts performed in the human mind, including observation, evaluation, judgment, and opinion.
- Other abstract ideas: Ideas that do not fit neatly into the above categories but are still considered abstract.
As stated in MPEP 2106.04(a): “The enumerated groupings of abstract ideas are defined as: 1) Mathematical concepts […]; 2) Certain methods of organizing human activity […]; and 3) Mental processes […].”
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2100 - Patentability,
MPEP 2106.04(A) - Abstract Ideas,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure