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;