Elio was hired as an independent contractor to write software for an upstart bioinformatics company. As part of his employment contract, Elio agree to write anA algorithm (a mathematical equation deployed in computer software) so that the company would be able to process genetic test quickly and provide easy-to-read reports for the physicians who ordered the test. Can Elio or the company obtain a patent on the algorithm he created?

a. Yes, both Elio and/or the company can obtain the patent because it is a novel mathematical formula.

b. Elio can obtain the patent, but the company cannot, because he created a novel mathematical formula.

c. The algorithm itself is not patentable, but the application of the algorithm in a useful way might be.

d. No, because algorithms do not satisfy the "usefulness" requirement.