Bernard Bilski and Rand Warsaw wanted to patent a method to let traders protect against the risk of price changes in energy markets.

VOA: special.2010.07.16

The question was whether a business method is enough of an invention to receive a patent.

VOA: special.2010.07.16

Therefore, any patent that claims a method of solving a problem by programming a general-purpose computer is, like the patent the high court struck down 40 years ago, effectively a patent on a mathematical algorithm.

FORBES: As Supreme Court Software Patent Ban Turns 40, It's Time To Stop Ignoring It

Prometheus decision declaring a patent on a method of diagnosing disease invalid.

FORBES: Big Question For Supreme Court: Can You Patent A Gene?

Prometheus Laboratories that Prometheus obtained a patent on a method of treating digestive-tract diseases that is so broad it prevents its researchers from even thinking about the process it covers.

FORBES: Mayo Clinic Case Asks If A Doctor's Method Can Be Patented