European Patent Office

T 0610/24 (Checking the chemical compatibility of pumps and chemicals/ECOLAB) vom 16.12.2025

Europäischer Rechtsprechungsidentifikator
ECLI:EP:BA:2025:T061024.20251216
Datum der Entscheidung
16. Dezember 2025
Aktenzeichen
T 0610/24
Antrag auf Überprüfung von
-
Anmeldenummer
19710517.4
IPC-Klasse
G06Q 10/10
Verfahrenssprache
Englisch
Verteilung
An die Kammervorsitzenden verteilt (C)
Amtsblattfassungen
Keine AB-Links gefunden
Weitere Entscheidungen für diese Akte
-
Zusammenfassungen für diese Entscheidung
-
Bezeichnung der Anmeldung
PUMP CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Name des Antragstellers
Ecolab USA, Inc.
Name des Einsprechenden
-
Kammer
3.5.01
Leitsatz
-
Relevante Rechtsnormen
European Patent Convention Art 111(1)European Patent Convention Art 56Rules of procedure of the Boards of Appeal 2020 Art 011
Schlagwörter
Inventive step - closest prior art (no Inventive step - different purpose) - ex post facto analysis
Remittal to the department of first instance - (yes - remittal for a search)
Orientierungssatz
While it is not mandatory to start from the strictly closest prior art when arguing a lack of inventive step (see Case Law of the Boards of Appeal, 11th edition, I.D.3.3), it is nevertheless recommended to start from prior art having a similar purpose and overall technical effect. Starting from a more remote document often leads to an ex post facto analysis, in particular to the formulation of a "hindsight problem" - a problem that the skilled person would not have realistically conceived. (See point 4.4 of the reasons)
Zitierte Akten
G 0010/93
Zitierende Akten
-

Order

For these reasons it is decided that:

1. The decision under appeal is set aside.

2. The case is remitted to the examining division for further prosecution, including a search.