Software patent

Software patents and patents on computer-implemented inventions (CII) are a class of patents and one of many legal aspects of computing. There is intense debate as to what extent such patents should be granted, if any.

Related Topics:
Patent - Legal aspects of computing - Intense debate

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The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing provides a general definition of a "software patent" as "a patent intended to prevent others from using some programming technique", while the European Patent Office (EPO) provides a general definition of a "computer-implemented invention":

Related Topics:
Free On-line Dictionary of Computing - European Patent Office - Computer - Invention

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:"an expression intended to cover claims which involve computers, computer networks or other conventional programmable apparatus whereby prima facie the novel features of the claimed invention are realised by means of a program or programs" http://www.european-patent-office.org/legal/gui_lines/e/c_iv_2_3_6.htm

Related Topics:
Computer network - Programmable - Apparatus - Prima facie - Novel - Claim

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or, expressed in other words,

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:"an invention whose implementation involves the use of a computer, computer network or other programmable apparatus, the invention having one or more features which are realised wholly or partly by means of a computer program" http://cii.european-patent-office.org/law_practice/index.en.php.

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