Under U.S. law, individuals can seek patents for “any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.” Here, the term “process” typically refers to industrial and technical processes, and “composition of matter” refers to chemical compounds and mixtures.Things that cannot be patented include:Natural lawsPhysical phenomenaAbstract ideasBefore applying for a patent, you must research other developments in your industry and search current U.S. patents as well as scientific journals to make sure your invention doesn’t already exist or isn’t already patented.