What are the four statutory categories of invention recognized by the USPTO?

The four statutory categories of invention recognized by the USPTO are indeed process, machine, manufacture, and composition of matter. This classification stems from 35 U.S.C. § 101, which defines what is patentable.

A "process" refers to a method of doing something, typically involving a series of steps or actions. A "machine" is a tangible device or apparatus that performs a function. "Manufacture" pertains to articles that are produced from raw materials in a manner that yields a new product. Lastly, "composition of matter" indicates a chemical compound or mixture of substances that results in a new material with distinct characteristics.

The other choices either include terms that do not fulfill the statutory definition under 35 U.S.C. § 101 or mix categories that aren't recognized as standalone patent categories. Therefore, the identification of process, machine, manufacture, and composition of matter outlines the proper framework for understanding what constitutes an invention eligible for patent protection under U.S. law.