CCPA’s New Doctrine - the Freeman-Walter-Abele Test
From combination of 3 decisions:
- In re Freeman (CCPA 1978) - before Flook
- In re Walter (CCPA 1980)
- In re Abele (CCPA 1982) - after Diehr
2-pronged test (patentable if meet 2nd step)
- Step 1 - determine whether the claim directly or indirected recites an algorithm.
- Step 2 - whether, even if inoperable or less useful, the claim would be otherwise statutory without the algorithm.