{"ID":51798,"name":"Parker v. Flook","href":"https:\/\/api.oyez.org\/cases\/1977\/77-642","view_count":0,"docket_number":"77-642","additional_docket_numbers":null,"manner_of_jurisdiction":"Writ of \u003Ci\u003Ecertiorari\u003C\/i\u003E","first_party":"Lutrelle F. Parker, Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks","second_party":"Dale R. Flook","timeline":[{"event":"Argued","dates":[262332000],"href":"https:\/\/api.oyez.org\/case_timeline\/case_timeline\/32762"},{"event":"Decided","dates":[267339600],"href":"https:\/\/api.oyez.org\/case_timeline\/case_timeline\/32763"}],"lower_court":null,"facts_of_the_case":"\u003Cp\u003EA catalytic converter is a device that removes pollutants during the refining of oil. In order to function effectively, it must operate within certain temperature and pressure ranges (\u201calarm limits\u201d) that fluctuate during the conversion process. Dale R. Flook applied for a patent on a method of adjusting alarm limits in response to changes that occur during the catalytic conversion process.. Because the only novel feature of the method was a mathematical formula, the patent examiner determined that the method did not amount to a discovery eligible for patent protection and rejected the application. The Board of Appeals for the Patent and Trademark Office sustained the rejection. On appeal, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals reversed and held that the limited application of the method did not \u201cwholly pre-empt\u201d the formula from the public domain, and therefore it was eligible for patent protection.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","question":"\u003Cp\u003EDoes the identification of a limited category of useful applications of a mathematical formula, such as its use in catalytic conversion processes, render a method based on such a formula-eligible for patent protection?\u003C\/p\u003E\n","conclusion":"\u003Cp\u003ENo. Justice John Paul Stevens delivered the opinion for the 6-3 majority. 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