Is the statutory class under which patents are granted published anywhere?
<p>The four statutory classes of invention are process, machine, manufacture and composition of matter, with exceptions for abstract ideas, physical phenomena and laws of nature.</p>

<p>Whilst abstract ideas are not eligible for patenting, I understand methods and products that employ abstract ideas to perform real world function, may well be.</p>

<p>Where can I see the statutory class under which patents were granted?</p>

<p>Was <a href="http://www.google.com/patents/US20150039532" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this patent for the VIX volatility index and derivatives based thereon</a> granted because the abstract notion of volatility was employed to perform the real world function of derivative trading?</p>

<p>Am I missing something in the document?</p>

<p>Kind regards,</p>

<p>Peter</p>

<p><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/35/101" rel="nofollow noreferrer">35 USC 101</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Whoever 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 therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>See <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/09pdf/08-964.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Bilski v Kappos 561 U. S. ____ (2010)</a>, <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/10-1150.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Mayo v Prometheus 566 U. S. ____ (2012)</a>, and <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-298_7lh8.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Alice v CLS Bank 573 U. S. ____ (2014)</a> for recent restatements of the prohibition on patenting of abstract ideas.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.google.com/patents/US20150039532" rel="nofollow noreferrer">patent</a> that you link to has not been issued. It is only an application.</p>

patents