printed matter doctrine

printed-matter doctrine. Patents. The rule that printed matter may not be patented unless it is a physical part of a patentable invention. • For example, the doctrine has been used to deny patents for systems of representing sheet music and for methods of compiling directories. But it cannot be used to deny a patent for computer software. [Cases: Patents

5. C.J.S. Patents §§ 13–14, 16.]

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词条贡献者

双语律师李明，国际知名法学院法律专业，擅长翻译各类与政府监管相关的法律文件。