Which of the following is NOT considered patentable subject matter?

The identification of scientific theories as non-patentable subject matter is based on the principles established in patent law. In the realm of intellectual property, patentable subject matter typically encompasses inventions that fall into specific categories, such as processes, machines, and compositions of matter. These categories require an invention to exhibit utility, novelty, and non-obviousness while also needing to be concrete and applied to practical uses.

Scientific theories, on the other hand, represent abstract concepts or principles that describe natural phenomena or relationships based on empirical evidence. They do not meet the requirements for patentability because they lack the necessary specificity and applicability of a tangible invention. Patent law seeks to protect inventions that provide practical utility, and broadly claiming a scientific theory does not satisfy this criterion. Thus, while scientific theories contribute significantly to knowledge and understanding, they remain outside the realm of what can be patented, reflecting a fundamental distinction between theoretical and applied inventions.