What is the streamlined eligibility analysis in patent examination?

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 streamlined eligibility analysis (Pathway A) is an efficient method used by patent examiners when the eligibility of a claim is self-evident, particularly when the claim clearly improves a technology or computer functionality. As stated in MPEP 2106.06:

“For purposes of efficiency in examination, examiners may use a streamlined eligibility analysis (Pathway A) when the eligibility of the claim is self-evident, e.g., because the claim clearly improves a technology or computer functionality.”

This approach allows examiners to quickly determine eligibility without conducting the full Alice/Mayo test, but the results will always be the same as if the full analysis had been performed.