What does Section 101 of the Patent Act address?

Section 101 of the Patent Act specifically addresses definitions of patentable subject matter. It outlines what kinds of inventions are eligible for patent protection. This section establishes that any person who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent. The focus is on identifying categories of inventions that qualify for patent protection, which include processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions of matter.

The other options pertain to different aspects of the patent system. For instance, requirements for filing a patent application are addressed in other sections, specifying procedural steps and documentation required. Regulations for patent enforcement fall under different provisions that outline how patents can be enforced against infringement, typically found in Sections beyond 101. Guidelines regarding intellectual property ownership can involve a range of laws and agreements, but are not the focus of Section 101. Therefore, the primary purpose of Section 101 is to clearly define what constitutes patentable subject matter.