經通國際智慧產權事務所

Technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence) and big data have been booming in recent years, and the number of patent applications for computer software-related inventions has increased accordingly. The Examination Guidelines for Computer Software-Related Inventions has thus been updated by TIPO and came into effect on July 1st, serving as a guide for examiners to handle related cases and reference for applicants.

The key points of the amendment include:

1. Introduced examination procedure and flow chart for computer software inventions evaluations, supplemented by case examples, as a principle for assessing the eligibility of inventions.
2. In line with the principle of TIPO’s assessment of inventive step in the current examination basis, sections “Factors Denying Existence of Inventive Step” and “Factors Determining Inventive Step” are introduced.
3. Added AI-related examination instructions and application cases for reference.