Guidelines for Examination
PART C
CHAPTER IV PATENTABILITY
2. Inventions
2.3 List of exclusions
2.3.5 Schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business
 

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PART C
CHAPTER IV PATENTABILITYCHAPTER IV PATENTABILITY
2. Inventions2. Inventions
2.3 List of exclusions2.3 List of exclusions
  2.3.4 Aesthetic creations2.3.4 Aesthetic creations     2.3.6 Programs for computers2.3.6 Programs for computers  
 

2.3.5

Schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business

 

These are further examples of items of an abstract or intellectual character. In particular, a scheme for learning a language, a method of solving crossword puzzles, a game (as an abstract entity defined by its rules) or a scheme for organising a commercial operation would not be patentable. However, if the claimed subject-matter specifies an apparatus or technical process for carrying out at least some part of the scheme, that scheme and the apparatus or process have to be examined as a whole. In particular, if the claim specifies computers, computer networks or other conventional programmable apparatus, or a program therefor, for carrying out at least some steps of a scheme, it is to be examined as a "computer-implemented invention" (see below).