|
Date of decision
|
21 April 2004
|
|
|
Case number
|
T 0258/03
- 3.5.1
|
|
|
Application number
|
97306722.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title of the application
|
Automatic auction method
|
|
|
Applicant name
|
Hitachi, Ltd.
|
|
|
Headnote
I. A method involving technical means is an invention within the
meaning of Article 52(1) EPC (as distinguished from decision T
931/95-Controlling pension benefits system/PBS PARTNERSHIP)(see
points 4.1 to 4.4 of the reasons).
II. Method steps consisting of modifications to a business
scheme and aimed at circumventing a technical problem rather
than solving it by technical means cannot contribute to the
technical character of the subject-matter claimed (see point 5.7
of the reasons).
|
|
|
Keywords
Presence of an invention - method involving technical means
(yes)
Inventive step: treatment of non-technical aspects
|
|
|
|
|
