6.7.1 User Interfaces

User interfaces, in particular graphical user interfaces (GUIs), comprise features of presenting information and receiving input in response as part of human-computer interaction. Features defining user input are more likely to have a technical character than those solely concerning data output and display, because input requires compatibility with the predetermined protocol of a machine, whereas output may be largely dictated by the subjective preferences of a user (EPC Guidelines G‑II, 3.7.1 – April 2025 version).

There is well-established case law which considers a GUIs layout as such to be non-technical, being a "presentation of information" (Art. 52(2)(d) EPC) (see T 1143/06; T 1741/08).

The issues of GUIs layout and presentation of information in the assessment of inventive step is analysed in detail in chapter I.D.9.2.11 "Assessment of features relating to a presentation of information".