Gottschalk v. Benson, 409 U.S. 63 (1972)
U.S. Supreme Court
Gottschalk v. Benson, 409 U.S. 63 (1972)
Gottschalk v. Benson
No. 71-485
Argued October 16, 1972
Decided November 20, 1972
409 U.S. 63
Syllabus
Respondents' method for converting numerical information from binary-coded decimal numbers into pure binary numbers, for use in programming conventional general purpose digital computers, is merely a series of mathematical calculations or mental steps, and does not constitute a patentable "process" within the meaning of the Patent Act, 35 U.S.C. § 100(b). Pp. 409 U. S. 64-73.
___ C.C.P.A. (Pat.) ___, 441 F.2d 682, reversed.
DOUGLAS, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which all members joined except STEWART, BLACKMUN, and POWELL, JJ., who took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.