Legal Definitions - subject matter

Definition: Subject matter refers to the topic or issue that is being discussed or disputed. It can also refer to the thing in which a right or duty has been asserted.

Example: In a court case, the subject matter would be the dispute between the two parties. For example, if someone is suing another person for breach of contract, the subject matter would be the terms of the contract and whether or not they were violated.

Patentable Subject Matter: This refers to the types of inventions that can be patented. For example, a new machine or process may be considered patentable subject matter, while a natural phenomenon or abstract idea may not be.

Example: A new type of smartphone would be considered patentable subject matter, as it is a tangible invention that can be patented. However, a mathematical formula or a theory would not be considered patentable subject matter, as they are abstract ideas that cannot be patented.

Overall, subject matter is an important concept in many fields, including law, science, and the arts. It helps to define the scope of a discussion or dispute, and can determine what types of inventions can be protected by patents.