Patentability
Certain things cannot be patented. This differs from country to country and is often influenced by what is in the best public interest.
Inventions which are immoral or offend public decency are often excluded, though this can be quite a subjective area.
Inventions for weapons or for the sole purpose of committing illegal acts are often also restricted.
In most countries methods of human medical treatment cannot be patented. However a number of countries allow for patenting methods of diagnosis, cosmetic procedures and treatments, veterinary treatment, and pharmaceuticals administered for certain therapeutic uses.
Most countries do not allow business methods or plans to be protected, though the United States traditionally has.
Computer software is more problematic. Some countries will allow it to be patented if it controls something physical, or a manufacturing type process. Some allow it anyway, and some exclude it. The bigger issue is that computer software often advances faster than the patent process.
Lifeforms may or may not be patentable depending on the country. There is less issue with lower life forms, but humans remain forbidden.
This is an area best discussed with your patent attorney, and in relation to your business strategy for a particular invention.
Certain things cannot be patented. This differs from country to country and is often influenced by what is in the best public interest.
Inventions which are immoral or offend public decency are often excluded, though this can be quite a subjective area.
Inventions for weapons or for the sole purpose of committing illegal acts are often also restricted.
In most countries methods of human medical treatment cannot be patented. However a number of countries allow for patenting methods of diagnosis, cosmetic procedures and treatments, veterinary treatment, and pharmaceuticals administered for certain therapeutic uses.
Most countries do not allow business methods or plans to be protected, though the United States traditionally has.
Computer software is more problematic. Some countries will allow it to be patented if it controls something physical, or a manufacturing type process. Some allow it anyway, and some exclude it. The bigger issue is that computer software often advances faster than the patent process.
Lifeforms may or may not be patentable depending on the country. There is less issue with lower life forms, but humans remain forbidden.
This is an area best discussed with your patent attorney, and in relation to your business strategy for a particular invention.
