Computer-implemented simulations are patentable under certain conditions

In the context of assessing inventive step, a computer-implemented simulation of a technical system or process that is claimed as such can solve a technical problem by producing a technical effect going beyond the simulation’s implementation on a computer. For that assessment it is not a sufficient condition that the simulation is based, in whole or in part, on technical principles underlying the simulated system or process. Both also applies if the computer-implemented simulation is claimed as part of a design process, in particular for verifying a design (EPO EBoA 10 March 2021, G 1/19, Pedestrian simulation).