What is the significance of working examples in computer programming patent applications?

Working examples play a crucial role in computer programming patent applications, particularly in demonstrating enablement. MPEP 2164.06(c) emphasizes their importance:

“The presence of a working example in the specification provides strong evidence that the disclosure is enabling.”

Working examples serve several purposes:

• They demonstrate that the invention is operable and can be implemented
• They provide a clear guide for those skilled in the art to practice the invention
• They can help overcome enablement rejections by showing that the invention works as described

In computer programming cases, working examples might include code snippets, flowcharts, or detailed descriptions of algorithms. The more complex or unpredictable the technology, the more important working examples become in satisfying the enablement requirement.

To learn more:

• working examples
• computer programming
• patent applications
• enablement