methods of doing business that can be patented

patentandtrademark

What kinds of methods of doing business can be patented?  This has been a hotly debated topic.  The current view today, from a case called Bilski says that patentability requires the methods of doing business must be tied to a particular machine or must physically transform some sort of article.  In other words, the United States Patent and Trademark Office will likely turn a jaundiced eye at any “invention” that involves mere manipulation of concepts or data.  A lot of internet-type inventions or website-type inventions could be difficult to patent under this standard. 

 

patentandtrademark

if that application was filed today, it would have a tougher time getting through.