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Guide for applicants, Part 2: PCT procedure before the EPO (Euro-PCT Guide)

 
 
Table of Contents - Guide for applicants, Part 2: PCT procedure before the EPO (Euro-PCT Guide)
C. The EPO as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and a Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA)
III. Refusal to perform a (full) international search
Limitations related to the subject-matter
Business methods
Business methods
255
Attention is drawn to the field of business methods (see point 197). The EPO as ISA will not carry out an international search on an application to the extent that its subject-matter relates to no more than a method of doing business, in the absence of any apparent technical character.
R. 39.1(iii) PCT
OJ 2007, 592
256
Furthermore, if the claimed subject-matter involves technical means an ISR will be established. However, to the extent that the technical means involved were widely available to everyone at the filing date, no documentary evidence is considered required, because of their notoriety, and no document will be cited in the ISR. Instead a statement will be inserted that these technical means are considered so commonplace that no citation is considered necessary.