Best Patent AI for 101 Eligibility Rejections: Alice/Mayo Analysis Guide
101 rejections require nuanced analysis that goes beyond pattern matching. Here is how AI tools handle the Alice/Mayo framework and which ones provide the deepest 101 analysis.
The Alice/Mayo Two-Step Framework
1Step 1: Is the claim directed to a judicial exception?
The examiner determines whether the claim is directed to an abstract idea, law of nature, or natural phenomenon. Abstract idea categories include: mathematical concepts, mental processes, and methods of organizing human activity.
2Step 2: Does the claim recite something significantly more?
If the claim is directed to a judicial exception, the examiner determines whether the additional claim elements add something that is not well-understood, routine, or conventional. This is where most 101 arguments are made.
How Abigail Handles 101 Rejections
Abigail's 10-expert pipeline includes dedicated 101 analysis in the substantive tier. Unlike chat-based AI tools that provide generic 101 arguments, Abigail analyzes the specific examiner's rejection basis:
- Identifies the exact abstract idea category the examiner cited
- Maps the rejection to Alice/Mayo framework step (Step 1, Step 2A Prong 1, Step 2A Prong 2, Step 2B)
- Analyzes claim elements for practical application arguments
- Identifies technical improvements over prior art that support eligibility
- References relevant post-Alice case law (Enfish, McRO, Vanda, Core Wireless, etc.)
- Examiner intelligence reveals how often this examiner uses 101 rejections and whether they are responsive to specific argument types
- Generates response language tailored to the examiner's specific rejection basis
101 Strategy: When to Argue vs. Amend
| Scenario | Strategy | AI Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Claim has clear technical improvement | Argue under Enfish/McRO precedent | AI identifies technical elements and maps to case law |
| Dual 101 + 103 rejection | Amend for 103, use amendments to strengthen 101 arguments | AI coordinates amendment strategy across rejection types |
| Examiner high 101 rejection rate | Consider interview before written response | Examiner intelligence reveals 101 patterns and interview success rate |
| Pure method claim with generic hardware | Add specific technical implementation details from spec | AI identifies specification support for technical details |
| Business method rejection | Emphasize technical integration, not business outcome | AI separates technical elements from business logic |
Analyze Your 101 Rejection
Upload an Office Action with a 101 rejection and see Abigail's Alice/Mayo analysis with examiner-specific strategy recommendations.