What is the significance of a machine’s integral use in a method claim?

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 integral use of a machine in a method claim can be crucial for patent eligibility. According to MPEP 2106.05(b):

“Integral use of a machine to achieve performance of a method may integrate the recited judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more, in contrast to where the machine is merely an object on which the method operates.”

Key points to consider:

• The machine should play a significant role in permitting the claimed method to be performed
• It should not function solely as an obvious mechanism for achieving a solution more quickly
• The machine’s involvement should go beyond mere data gathering or field-of-use limitations

For example, in CyberSource v. Retail Decisions, the court found that the Internet’s involvement was not integral to the claimed fraud detection method. Conversely, a machine that is essential to the execution of the method steps and contributes meaningfully to the claim’s inventive concept is more likely to support patent eligibility.