画像を使用したコンテンツ共有方法についての発明について、特許適格性を欠くと判断されたケース。
判決文原文へのリンク
https://cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/22-2216.OPINION.8-6-2024_2362691.pdf
A method of storing user-defined information for future access by multiple parties comprising, at a server controlled by a third party:
(1) receiving from a first originating party userdefined information that is defined by the first originating party and is for access by multiple parties; and
(2) associating the user-defined information received from the first originating party and at least a first portion of a first image in a database, wherein the user-defined information augments first user-defined information already associated at the server with at least the first portion of the first image in the database; and
(3) providing access by a second party to the userdefined information and the first user-defined information, when a second image, captured by the second party, includes a portion corresponding to at least the first portion of the first image.
(1)あるユーザから情報を受信(2)その情報とある画像の一部分を関連付け(3)他のユーザからその一部を含む画像を受信したら情報へアクセス提供。
These claims consist solely of result-orientated, functional language and omit any specific requirements as to how these steps of information manipulation are performed.
(判決文、19ページ)
結果重視の機能的表現であり、具体的情報処理手順を欠くと判断されました。
詳細な解説は、Kim and Stewart LLPのホームページにも掲載していますので、ご参考にしていただけますと幸いです。