What can and cannot be patented?

What can be patented:

  • Process
  • Machine
  • Article of manufacture -shapes and patterns
  • Composition of matter
  • Improvement of any of the above
  • Asexually reproduced plant varieties
  • Newly found seedlings

What cannot be patented:

  • Laws of nature
  • Physical phenomena
  • Abstract ideas
  • Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works (See information on copyrights)
  • Tuber propagated plants

Keywords:
patent can cannot 
Doc ID:
152035
Owned by:
Tom B. in NDSU Research and Creative Activity
Created:
2025-06-24
Updated:
2025-06-24
Sites:
NDSU Research and Creative Activity