In general, inventions that meet specific criteria may be eligible for patent protection, while others may not qualify for patenting. Understanding the distinction between patentable and non-patentable inventions is crucial for navigating the patent system effectively. Here's an explanation of the types of inventions that may be patented and those that may not be patented, along with reasons for their eligibility or ineligibility:

1. Patentable Inventions:

   a. Novel Inventions: To be patentable, an invention must be novel, meaning it is new and has not been disclosed or made available to the public before the filing date of the patent application. Novel inventions represent original contributions to the field of technology and have not been previously known or used by others.

   b. Non-obvious Inventions: Patentable inventions must also involve an inventive step or non-obviousness, meaning they are not merely an obvious improvement or combination of existing technologies or prior art. Non-obvious inventions involve a level of creativity, ingenuity, or innovation that is not obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field.

   c. Useful Inventions: Patentable inventions must have utility or practical applicability, meaning they serve a useful purpose or provide a tangible benefit to society. Useful inventions include new processes, methods, machines, compositions of matter, or improvements thereof that have practical utility and industrial applicability.

   d. Statutory Subject Matter: Patentable inventions must fall within the categories of statutory subject matter recognized by patent law, such as processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and certain types of improvements thereof. Inventions that fall outside these categories, such as abstract ideas, laws of nature, natural phenomena, or purely mental processes, may not be eligible for patent protection.

2. Non-patentable Inventions:

   a. Abstract Ideas and Laws of Nature: Inventions that consist solely of abstract ideas, mathematical formulas, algorithms, or fundamental principles of nature are generally not eligible for patent protection. Patent law does not extend to discoveries of laws of nature or naturally occurring phenomena that exist independently of human intervention.

   b. Natural Products and Living Organisms: Naturally occurring substances, biological materials, or living organisms found in nature may not be eligible for patent protection unless they have been isolated, purified, or modified in a way that confers new and useful properties or characteristics not found in nature. The mere discovery or extraction of naturally occurring substances, such as minerals, plants, or genes, may not be considered inventive.

   c. Methods of Medical Treatment and Diagnostic Tests: Inventions directed to methods of medical treatment, surgical procedures, or diagnostic tests performed on the human body may not be patentable, as they are often considered to be directed to medical practice or methods of treatment of humans, which are excluded from patentability for ethical and public policy reasons.

   d. Inventions Contrary to Public Order or Morality: Inventions that are contrary to public order, morality, or public health may be excluded from patentability. This includes inventions that are harmful, offensive, or contrary to accepted ethical standards or societal values.

In summary, patentable inventions must be novel, non-obvious, useful, and fall within the categories of statutory subject matter recognized by patent law. In contrast, inventions that consist of abstract ideas, laws of nature, natural products, methods of medical treatment, or are contrary to public order or morality may not be eligible for patent protection. Understanding the criteria for patentability is essential for inventors, researchers, and businesses seeking to protect their innovations and navigate the patent system effectively.