Publication
UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: how will it work?
In February, we reported on the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s confirmation that a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) would be bought into force by 2027
Global | Publication | August 2020
Computer technologies are developing at a rapid pace and impacting on all sectors of the global economy. Inherent in this epochal shift towards and beyond the Information Age is a need for inventors of information technology to protect their computer-implemented inventions (CIIs). In this global comparative piece, we examine the current state of the law on the patentability of CIIs across a number of key jurisdictions, consider its impact on the protection and innovation of CIIs and provide some practical suggestions for future patent applicants in this space.
The viability of CII patents around the world is affected by legislation, official guidelines and patent office practice, and of course, case law. None of the jurisdictions we cover in this piece have a blanket prohibition against the patentability of CIIs. As long as a CII meets the relevant threshold or criteria for patent protection, it will be considered patentable subject matter. The process for examining and assessing patentability varies between jurisdictions, and sometimes within a jurisdiction over time and on a case-by-case basis.
One key theme seems to have currency in all jurisdictions we examine: mere business methods, economic practices, abstract ideas and scientific theorems are largely considered non-patentable subject matter. This extends to general purpose computer programs per se that implement such abstract creations devoid of any technical character.
Conversely, most jurisdictions consider CIIs that concern a technical contribution to be potentially patentable. What this entails varies between jurisdictions, but in essence will involve CIIs that:
Although there is still legal uncertainty in this area, the increasing number of decisions and directions from patent offices and courts worldwide relating to CIIs provide useful guidance to patent applicants and practitioners alike and disclose a gradual trend towards acceptance of CII patents. For now, CII patent applicants are encouraged to ensure precision in the drafting of their claims and specifications, which should include sufficient detail as to the technical solutions and computer-specific functions used to carry out the invention. Meanwhile, those seeking to navigate freedom to operate issues will need to have regard to an increased potential for CII patents making their way through the patent validity gauntlet.
Publication
In February, we reported on the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s confirmation that a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) would be bought into force by 2027
Publication
International financial markets have started to show significant interest in nature and biodiversity. Whilst climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have made the headlines in recent years, there has been much less focus on their equally important counterparts, nature and biodiversity. However, that has started to change.
Publication
In April 2024, the UK Government published details of its sustainable aviation fuel mandate (the UK SAF Mandate) and launched a consultation on proposals for a revenue certainty mechanism to support UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
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