T 0461/88 (Microchip) of 17.04.1991
- European Case Law Identifier
- ECLI:EP:BA:1991:T046188.19910417
- Date of decision
- 17 April 1991
- Case number
- T 0461/88
- Petition for review of
- -
- Application number
- 82101616.9
- IPC class
- B41F 33/16B41F 31/04
- Language of proceedings
- German
- Distribution
- No distribution (D)
- Download
- -
- Other decisions for this case
- -
- Abstracts for this decision
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- Application title
- -
- Applicant name
- Heidelb. Druckmaschinen
- Opponent name
- WIFAG; W.Lamberz
- Board
- 3.2.03
- Headnote
Where a device which has been disclosed by public prior use contains a microchip on which a program written in machine language is stored which realises a control procedure, the said procedure does not form part of the state of the art under Article 54(2) EPC if no logic diagrams and block diagrams are available to skilled members of the interested public, if the principle underlying the control procedure is not discernible by inspection, and if, moreover, the technical possibility exists of ascertaining the contents of the program but experience suggests that, under the circumstances, especially in view of cost-benefit considerations, this cannot have occurred.
- Relevant legal provisions
- European Patent Convention Art 100(a) 1973European Patent Convention Art 54(2) 1973
- Keywords
- Program on microchip not disclosed
Novelty (yes) - Catchword
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- Cited cases
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ORDER
For these reasons it is decided that:
1. The decision under appeal is set aside.
2. The case is remitted to the Opposition Division with the instruction to resume proceedings on the basis of the documents as per the appellants' main request.
3. The auxiliary request that further oral evidence be taken from witnesses is refused.
4. The request for the refund of costs is refused.