February 16: New Ways of Understanding the Patent-Eligibility of Software and Business Methods

The Alice v. CLS Bank test has proven to be virtually impenetrable and exceptionally difficult to apply in practice. As a consequence, innovators are unsure of the exact boundaries of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. 101. This has increased the risk of making investments in protecting software and business method inventions. Our position is that a literal understanding of the test is not possible, because it is too vague and poorly defined. Nonetheless, a reasonably accurate way of predicting whether claims will survive an Alice challenge in the USPTO or courts is available. Particularly, a careful review of Federal Circuit Section 101 case law since 2014 results in three factors that, when present, make claims more likely to be eligible. Conversely, the lack of any of these factors make it less likely that the claim will be found eligible. We discuss these factors in detail, including how they are derived from the case law, and use them as an analytical framework for determining patenting 

Title:
New Ways of Understanding the Patent-Eligibility of Software and Business Methods
Live MBHB Webinar
Webinar Date+Time:
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
10:00-11:15 a.m. CT
Live MBHB Webinar via WebExLive MBHB Webinar - Register Now!
Presenter:
MBHB attorney(s) Michael Borella, Ph.D.

Cost:
While there is no fee to participate, all attendees must register in advance and, in order to receive MCLE credit, must participate online and individually.
Credit:
MCLE credit is pending for the states of California, Illinois, New Jersey,* New York,* North Carolina and Virginia (*via reciprocity).
By:
McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP is committed to educating clients and friends of the firm with respect to significant developments and trends in the areas of intellectual property law.

Register online here:
www.mbhb.com/events/