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Simple English definitions for legal terms
printed-matter doctrine
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A quick definition of printed-matter doctrine:
The printed-matter doctrine is a rule in patents that says you can't get a patent just for something that's printed, like words or pictures. It has to be a physical part of something that can be patented. For example, you can't get a patent for a system of writing music or making a phone book. But you can get a patent for computer software.
A more thorough explanation:
The printed-matter doctrine is a rule in patent law that states that printed matter cannot be patented unless it is a physical part of a patentable invention. This means that if the printed matter is not an integral part of the invention, it cannot be patented.
For example, the doctrine has been used to deny patents for systems of representing sheet music and for methods of compiling directories. In these cases, the printed matter was not considered to be an essential part of the invention and therefore could not be patented.
However, the printed-matter doctrine cannot be used to deny a patent for computer software. This is because computer software is considered to be a patentable invention in its own right, and the printed matter (i.e. the code) is an essential part of the invention.
Another example of a patentable invention that includes printed matter is a product label. The label may contain printed matter such as instructions, warnings, or other information that is essential to the use of the product. In this case, the printed matter is considered to be an integral part of the invention and can be patented.