Can I patent a mathematical formula?
One of the things that
you cannot obtain a patent for is a mathematical
formula. For example, the PTO will not grant a patent to a teacher
who discovers a formula for determining the square footage of some shape.
However, you might be able to patent the application of a mathematical formula, if it
otherwise meets the patent
requirements. Thus, you could obtain a patent on a computer program that
implements a mathematical formula, and protect your application of that
formula.