“The Supreme Court on Monday left intact a decision saying that
mathematical algorithms used in computer programs can be
patented.”
“The decision opens the patent system to potentially thousands
of inventions, including software underlying innovative financial
products.”
“Judge Giles Rich, writing for the appeals court, said
mathematical formulas used in business could claim intellectual
property protection as long as they produce ‘a useful, concrete and
tangible result.'”
“That decision clarified a legally cloudy concept. Earlier cases
had suggested that neither mathematical formulas nor “business
methods” were patentable.”