Financial Services & Business Methods

We understand the differences in the requirements for patentability between regimes such as the US and the EPO and the UK.

The patent protection available for financial services and business methods varies enormously around the world. Some countries, such as the USA, have historically permitted business methods to be protected, subject to certain limitations, while others, typified by the European Patent Office (EPO) and China, take the view that this type of invention is inherently non-technical and cannot involve the inventive step required for patent protection. The position is slightly different in many countries.

Following a recent landmark decision of the US Supreme Court the landscape in that country has shifted markedly, prompting other countries to renew their own positions.