Amending Patent Eligibility

Authors

David O. Taylor, Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of LawFollow

Abstract

The Supreme Court’s recent treatment of the law of patent eligibility has introduced an era of confusion, lack of administrability, and, ultimately, risk of under-investment in research and development. As a result, patent law — and in particular the law governing patent eligibility — is in a state of crisis. In this Article I show why, despite this crisis, it is highly unlikely that the Supreme Court will correct itself and solve these problems. I therefore proceed to consider how Congress might — consistent with its constitutional authority — correct these problems through appropriate legislation. I identify principles that should guide Congress when it considers potential legislation, including amendments to the patent statute. I then analyze several options for revising the existing statutory language governing patent eligibility in light of those principles. Such legislation is urgently needed to resolve the present crisis.

Publication Title

U.C. Davis Law Review

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Patent Law, Patents, Intellectual Property, Patentable Subject Matter, Eligible Subject Matter, Eligiblity, Mayo, Alice

Recommended Citation

David O. Taylor, Amending Patent Eligibility, 50 U.C.D. L. Rev. 2149 (2017)