Video overview:<\/p>\n
To obtain a patent for a CII in Europe, two main hurdles must be cleared:<\/p>\n
Eligibility
\nA claim must have technical character\u2014even one technical feature is enough.
\nExamples of technical features include:
\nProcessing physical data.
\nAffecting how a computer operates.
\nControlling internal computer functions.
\nLow-level code processing (e.g., compilers).
\nInventive Step
\nRequires a non-obvious technical contribution over prior art.
\nOnly technical features are considered in the inventive step analysis.
\nIf differences from prior art are all non-technical \u2192 No inventive step.
\nIf there are technical differences \u2192 Use the problem-solution approach.<\/p>\n
Technical vs. Non-Technical Features<\/p>\n
Technical: Physical data processing, computer operation, low-level software.
\nNon-Technical: Business logic, admin processes, cognitive data.<\/p>\n
Types of CII Claims<\/p>\n
Software-only: Method, device, or computer-readable medium.
\nHardware-specific: May need to specify hardware or additional devices.
\nDistributed systems: May require claims for each system component and the overall system.<\/p>\n
Drafting Tips<\/p>\n
Emphasize technical effects in the description.
\nAvoid business framing; present the invention in a technical context.
\nIf using known methods on a computer, describe technical challenges overcome.<\/p>\n
If special hardware is needed, clearly specify it in the claims.<\/p>\n