European Patent Convention (EPC) - Patentable inventions

According to the regulation in the European Patent Convention (EPC)

European patents shall be granted for any inventions which are susceptible of industrial application, which are new and which involve an inventive step.

The following in particular shall not be regarded as inventions according to EPC regulations:

(a) discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods;

(b) aesthetic creations;

(c) schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business, and programs for computers;

(d) presentations of information.

The above mentioned EPC  provisions shall exclude patentability of the subject-matter or activities referred to in that provision only to the extent to which a European patent application or European patent relates to such subject-matter or activities as such.

Methods for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practised on the human or animal body shall not be regarded as inventions which are susceptible of industrial application within the meaning of EPC. This provision shall not apply to products, in particular substances or compositions, for use in any of these methods.

Prepared by EPO Patent Registration and Consulting Services GmbH