The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit expanded the scope of what is considered to be patent ineligible subject matter, denying patent status to a class of process-methods, relating to abstract ideas for unique hair cutting patent claims and, in another appeal, for a unique … [Read more...] about Card Game – Ineligible Patent Subject Matter Under Section 101
Fractured Patent Appeals Court Casts Shadow Over Computer Software Patents
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal Circuit), in a highly fractured en banc decision, throws doubt on the validity of many computer software patents in its recent decision, CLS Ba by nk International v. Alice Corporation, Case No. 2011-1301 (Fed. Cir. May … [Read more...] about Fractured Patent Appeals Court Casts Shadow Over Computer Software Patents
DNA and Method Patents With Simple Steps – One Patentable, The Other Non-Patentable Abstract Idea
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court that hears all patent appeals) again waded into the murky waters of what is a non-patentable method (a simple abstract idea) and what is a patentable process, machine, article of manufacture, composition of matter, or any … [Read more...] about DNA and Method Patents With Simple Steps – One Patentable, The Other Non-Patentable Abstract Idea
Computer Trading Platform with Trusted Third Party is Valid Patentable Subject
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has held that Alice’s patents that cover a computerized trading platform for exchanging obligations wherein a trusted third party settles obligations between a first and second party so as to eliminate "settlement risk," define patentable … [Read more...] about Computer Trading Platform with Trusted Third Party is Valid Patentable Subject
Abstract Ideas: Patent Claims Which Are More Than Abstract Ideas
If a patent claim only covers an abstract idea, it does not define patentable subject matter but if the claim is narrower, such as one defining a machine or describing a transformation of data, then the claim does come within the purview of the Patent Statute. The boundaries of … [Read more...] about Abstract Ideas: Patent Claims Which Are More Than Abstract Ideas
Financial Patent Method Claims Held Invalid As Covering Only Abstract Idea
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia invalidated patent claims directed to a method of exchanging financial obligations between parties in CLS Bank Int’l v. Alice Corp. Pty, Ltd., Case No. 07-974 (D.D.C. March 9, 2011) (available here). In summary, the District … [Read more...] about Financial Patent Method Claims Held Invalid As Covering Only Abstract Idea
Computer Programs Which are Functional and Palpable Applications of Technology Are not Non-Patentable Abstract Ideas
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit which hears all patent appeals from the U.S. District Courts (the trial courts) recently ruled on whether Research Corporation Technologies’ (“RCT”) patented method of digital halftoning was patentable under 35 U.S.C. § 101 or whether … [Read more...] about Computer Programs Which are Functional and Palpable Applications of Technology Are not Non-Patentable Abstract Ideas
