Question

Which is not a category that is recognized for patent eligibility under Section 101 of

the 1952 Patent Act?
A) processes
B) compositions of matter
C) manufacturers
D) mask works
E) machines

Answer 1

D) mask works

- Because mask works are not directly mentioned in Section 101 of the 1952 Patent Act as a category that is eligible for patent protection. Section 101 specifically identifies four categories of inventions that are eligible for patents: processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter. Although mask works are protectable under a different law, the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984, they are not recognized as a category under Section 101 of the Patent Act.