EPO case law: Weather simulations as such are not technical
The “weather” is not a technical system that the skilled person can improve, or even simulate with the purpose of trying to improve it. It is a physical system that can be modelled in the sense of showing how it works. This kind of modelling is rather a discovery or a scientific theory, which are … >> read more
EPO case law: Business person and technical expert in computer-implemented inventions
The notional business person might come up with an abstract idea (in this case: avoiding the customer having to provide PIN and account information to the merchant). However, if the invention requires a new infrastructure, new devices and a new protocol involving technical considerations – linked to modified devices and their capabilities as well as … >> read more
EPO case law: Admissibility of new attacks and late-filed foreign language documents
A new attack on inventive step which is launched in response to and by using documents filed by the patent proprietor with his response to the notice of opposition are not per se to be considered late-filed. It may be admitted into the opposition proceedings for equality of arms, even if the documents are finally … >> read more
Messi triumphs in Luxembourg
After a bitter defeat in Lissabon against FC Bayern Munich football player Lionel Messi carried off a glorious victory in Luxembourg. It was already in 2011 that Messi wanted to expand his professional activities to clothing and applied for trademark protection for his logo. That did not go down well with Spanish cycling company massi … >> read more
EPO case law: Late-filed facts may be inadmissible
New arguments, which are submitted at a late stage, shall in principle be admitted into the proceedings (in confirmation of decision T 1914/12). However, the board has the discretion not to admit late-filed objections under Art 114(2) EPC if these objections are based on new allegations of fact (even if these facts result, for example, … >> read more