Document: 409 U.S. 63 93 S.Ct. 253 34 L.Ed.2d 273 Robert GOTTSCHALK, Acting Commissioner of Patents, Petitioner,v.Gary R. BENSON and Arthur C. Tabbot. No. 71 - 485. Argued Oct. 16, 1972. Decided Nov. 20, Richard B. Stone, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Hugh Cox, respondents. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion Court. 1 Respondents filed in Patent Office an application invention which was described as being related 'to processing data by program more particularly to programmed conversion numerical information' general-purpose digital computers. They claimed a method converting binary-coded decimal (BCD) numerals into pure binary numerals. The claims were not limited any particular art or technology, apparatus machinery, end use. purported cover use computer type. Claims 8 311 rejected but sustained Court Customs Appeals, 441 F.2d 682. case is here on petition writ certiorari. Gottschalk v. Benson, 405 915, 92 934, 30 784. 2 question whether 'process' within meaning Act.2 3 A computer, distinguished from analog operates expressed digits, solving problem doing arithmetic person would do it head hand.3 Some digits are stored components computer. Others introduced form designed recognize. then upon both new previously data. perform operations under many different programs. 4 representation numbers may be time series electrical impulses, magnetized spots surface tapes, drums, discs, charged cathode-ray tube screens, presence absence punched holes paper cards, other devices. sequence coded instructions 5 patent sought programming convert signals form. procedure given type mathematical known 'algorithm.' procedures set forth present that kind; say, they generalized formulation programs solve problems one another. From generic formulation, developed specific applications. 6 system uses 10 symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. value represented digit depends, does positional notation, its individual relative position numeral. Decimal written placing appropriate positions columns sequence, i.e., 'unit' (100), 'tens' (101), 'hundreds' (102), 'thousands' (103), etc. Accordingly, numeral 1492 signifies (1 103) (4 102) (9 101) (2 100). 7 notation two digits—0 placed with values based consecutively ascending powers 2. In what tens twos position; hundreds fours thousands eights. Any number 0 can four indicated following table. Shown sum 23 22 21 20 (8) (4) (2) (1) Pure Binary = + 0000 0001 0010 0011 0100 0101 0110 22+ 0111 1000 9 1001 1010 BCD using replaces character each component corresponding four-digit numeral, shown righthand column Thus 53 BCD, because equal equivalent 0011. however, equals 110101. done mentally through foregoing patented varies ordinary steps human changing order steps, symbolism writing multiplier used some taking subtotals after successive operation. carried out existing computers long use, no machinery necessary. And, noted, also performed without stated Mackay Co. Radio Corp., 306 86, 94, 59 427, 431, 83 L.Ed. 506 '(w)hile scientific truth, expression it, patentable invention, novel useful structure created aid knowledge truth be.' That statement followed longstanding rule '(a)n idea itself patentable.' Rubber-Tip Pencil Howard, Wall. (87 U.S.) 498, 507, 410. 'A principle, abstract, fundamental truth; original cause; motive; these cannot patented, claim either them exclusive right.' Le Roy Tatham, 14 How. (55 156, 175, 367. Phenomena nature, though just discovered, mental processes, abstract intellectual concepts patentable, basic tools technological work. As we Funk Bros. Seed Kalo Co., 333 127, 130, 68 440, 441, 588, 'He who discovers hitherto unknown phenomenon nature has monopoly law recognizes. If there such discovery, must come end.' We dealt 'product' claim, while deals claim. But think same principle applies. 11 Here so sweeping conversion. vary operation train verification drivers' licenses researching books precedents future-devised apparatus. 12 O'Reilly Morse, 15 (56 62, 601, Morse allowed process electromagnetism produce distinguishable signs telegraphy. Id., at 111, 601. denied eighth 'electromagnetism, however marking printing intelligible characters, signs, letters, distances.' 112. disallowing said, 'If this maintained, matters result accomplished. For aught now know, future inventor, onward march science, discover mode distance means electric galvanic current, part combination plaintiff's specification. His less complicated—less liable get order—less expensive construction, yet, if covered patent, inventor could nor public have benefit permission patentee.' 113, 13 Telephone Cases, 126 534, 778, 782, 31 863, explained follows: 'The effect decision was, therefore, magnetism motive power, regard connected claimed, connection could.' Bell's current transmit vocal sounds. 'for electricity natural state comes battery, putting continuous closed circuit, certain specified condition, suited transmission sounds, condition purpose.' Ibid. words, 'one distinct his patent.' 535, S.Ct., 782. 'both magneto variable resistance methods'. 538, all telephonic electricity. Corning Burden, 252, 267—268, 683, 'One improvement tanning, dyeing, etc., irrespective mechanical device.' examples, 'arts making waterproof cloth, vulcanizing India rubber, smelting ores.' 267, 683. Those instances, where chemical substances physical acts, temperature control, changes articles materials. acts transform raw material are, sufficiently definite confine rather bounds. Cochrane Deener, 94 780, 24 139, involved manufacturing flour improve quality. first separated superfine removed impurities middlings blasts air, reground middlings, combined product superfine. 785, 139. special arrangement machinery. 16 'That instrumentalities used, disputed. substance reduced powder, instrument object, hammer, pestle mortar, mill. Either pointed out; confined tool machine, others infringement, general same. treatment materials result. It act, subject-matter transformed thing.' 787—788, 17 Transformation reduction article thing' clue patentability include machines. So 'manufacturing fat acids glycerine fatty bodies action water high pressure' Tilghman Proctor, 102 707, 721, 26 279. fact founded is, elements neutral require severally united atomic separate become free. This discovered Tilghman. He only invented bringing about desired union between water.' 729, 18 Expanded Metal Bradford, 214 366, 29 652, 1034, expanding metal. 'involving operations, producing result,' id., 385—386, 657, held process, patents action. 19 Smith Snow, 294 55 279, 79 Waxham Smith, 277, 733, setting eggs staged incubation applying mechanically circulated currents air eggs. Court, sustaining function (the hatching eggs) done, said: 'By manner, he secured performance had never occurred been anticipated prior art; process. . method, mechanism availed carrying operation, 'functional' merely specifications show machine capable it.' U.S., 22, 278. argued tied operate change 'different hold ever qualify did meet requirements our precedents. said precludes servicing hold. before us extend holding have, made clear start deal freeze old technologies, leaving room revelations new, onrushing technology. Such purpose. What down nutshell following. conceded idea. practical formula case. substantial except judgment below affirmed, wholly pre-empt algorithm itself. laws should extended programs, policy matter competent speak. President's Commission System4 proposal patentable:5 'Uncertainty exists statute permits valid granted Direct attempts ground nonstatutory subject matter. Indirect obtain avoid rejection, drafting thereof than itself, confused issue further permitted. 25 examine applications lack classification technique requisite search files. Even available, reliable searches feasible economic tremendous volume generated. Without search, patenting tantamount mere registration presumption validity nonexistent. 'It noted creation undergone satisfactory growth protection copyright presently available.' patentable,6 considerable raised committees Congress manage, broad investigation needed, including hearings canvass wide variety views those operating field entertain. tendered briefs us7 indicate considered needed. 27 Reversed. 28 STEWART, BLACKMUN, POWELL took consideration APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT Claim reads: comprises '(1) storing reentrant shift register, '(2) shifting right least three places, until '1' second 32 '(3) masking 33 '(4) adding '(5) left positions, '(6) position, 35 '(7) preparation succeeding register.' 36 representations comprising 37 testing '1,' beginning significant most '0' '1'; 38 detected, repeating step next representation; 39 (i 1)th 3) th lesser representation, 40 exhausting (3) modified previous execution (3); 41 processed.' Appendix opinion. Title U.S.C. § 100(b) provides: term includes manufacture, composition matter, material.' 101 'Whoever invents thereof, therefor, conditions title.' See Benrey, Understanding Digital Computers (1964). 'To Promote Progress Useful Arts,' Report System (1966). 13. Wild, Computer Program Protection: Need Legislate Solution, 54 Corn.L.Rev. 586, 604—609 (1969); Bender, Programs: Should Be Patentable?, Col.L.Rev. 241 (1968); Buckman, Protection Proprietory Interest Programs, 51 J.Pat.Off.Soc. 135 (1969). Amicus interested groups merits

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