Is a general concept illustrated with examples considered patentable subject matter?

A general concept illustrated with examples is generally not considered patentable subject matter on its own. In patent law, abstract ideas or general concepts without a specific practical application or tangible result are typically excluded from patentability. The inclusion of examples may help illustrate the concept, but it does not transform the abstract idea into something patentable.

The reasoning behind selecting this answer hinges on the understanding that merely providing an illustration does not suffice for patentability. It is necessary for a claimed invention to be directed toward a specific, useful application or embodiment of an idea. This is closely tied to the requirements of patent eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101, which stipulates that inventions must fall within one of the statutory classes of patentable subject matter: processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter.

While examples can demonstrate how a concept can be applied or implemented, without a concrete application that leads to a tangible product or process, the concept itself remains unpatentable. Thus, although examples can bolster the case for patentability by showing feasibility or usefulness, the underlying general concept still does not meet the threshold of patentable subject matter by itself.