For searching purposes, the USPTO classifies patent applications according to their general subject matter. If you're the type to read the Patent Act cover-to-cover, you may already know that there is actually statutory authority for classification in 35 USC Section 8, which authorizes the Director to maintain a classification system "for the purpose of determining with readiness and accuracy the novelty of inventions for which applications for patent are filed." Currently, there are over 400 classes, and you can find them on the PTO site if you really are curious (or really are bored...) See MPEP 900 et seq. for more information.
One class that is worth watching, and is part of my weekly scan, is class 705, titled, "DATA PROCESSING: FINANCIAL, BUSINESS PRACTICE, MANAGEMENT, OR COST/PRICE DETERMINATION." Class 705 contains most of the so-called "business method" patents. Over the past couple years, a typical week would see about 45-65 patents issue from Class 705. Today that number jumped to 111. And, as shown in the chart below, it appears to be the latest point in an upwards trend.
The trend is highlighted by focusing on the 60 patent mark. From January through July 2009, only three times did the number of weekly issuances from Class 705 exceed 60. But from August 2009 through today, there have been only five weeks when the number was below 60.
This data runs counter to the CW that there would be a post-Bilski drop in the allowance of business method patents. (Potentially, anyway...it may be that there was a surge in non-business method applications from 705.)
Theories? Could it simply be more examiners being hired in the Art Units that deal with 705-type applications?
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