A. Patentable inventions

1.Patent protection for technical inventions

1.1.Technical character of an invention

1.2.Separate and independently patentability requirements

1.3.Absolute and relative patentability requirements

1.4.Verification of the presence of an invention under Article 52(1) EPC

1.4.1Assessment of the invention independently of the prior art

a)Earlier case law of the boards of appeal: the "contribution approach"

b)Abandonment of the "contribution approach"

c)Some consequences of abandoning the contribution approach

1.4.2Technical considerations and technical implementations

1.4.3Methods involving technical means

1.4.4Methods used in a technical process carried out on a physical entity

1.4.5Apparatus constituting a physical entity or concrete product

2.Non-inventions under Article 52(2) and (3) EPC

2.1.Introduction

2.2.Discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods

2.2.1Discoveries and scientific theories

2.2.2Mathematical methods

2.3.Aesthetic creations

2.4.Computer-implemented inventions

2.4.1Definition of computer-implemented invention

2.4.2Distinction from computer programs

2.4.3Scope of Article 52(2)(c) EPC exception to patentability

2.4.4Patentability of computer programs: G 3/08

2.4.5Patentability of computer programs: technical character

2.4.6Establishing technical character

a)Further effects of programs for computers

b)Direct link to physical reality

c)Potential technical effect

d)Virtual or "calculated" technical effect

e)Tangible effect

f)Technical considerations: programming a computer

g)Technical considerations: implementation of a function on a computer system

h)Methods performed by a computer

i)Computer-implemented simulation methods

2.5.Schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business

2.5.1Methods for doing business

2.5.2Methods for performing mental acts

2.5.3Word-processing

2.6.Presentations of information

2.6.1User Interfaces

The four essential pre-conditions governing the patentability of inventions under the EPC are laid down in Art. 52(1) EPC, which reads: "European patents shall be granted for any inventions, in all fields of technology, provided that they are new, involve an inventive step and are susceptible of industrial application."