1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Inventors

What cannot be patented?

By , About.com Guide

Question: What cannot be patented?
Answer:
  • Laws of nature
  • Physical phenomena
  • Abstract ideas
  • Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. These can be Copyright protected.
  • Inventions which are considered not useful or possible by the USPTO for example perpetual motion machines; or offensive to public morality.
See also - What Can Be Patented?
More Inventors Q&A
Explore Inventors
About.com Special Features

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Inventors
  4. Inventing 101 - Beginners
  5. How to Apply for Protection
  6. Beginners' Guide to Patents
  7. What Cannot Be Patented?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.