DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Effective Defence of EPO Patent Applications" conference to their offering.
Clarity in drafting patent applications has always been a serious issue: Complete clarity is required to distinguish the subject-matter of a claim from prior art, and an unclear claim can be interpreted to the disadvantage of the applicant or proprietor.
The problem/solution' approach is not officially part of the EPC, but is a criterion which has been developed by case law. It is now is hard to find a decision of the Boards of Appeal which do not rely on the problem/solution approach in order to decide upon inventive step. It looks easy, but when applied, it should be applied correctly. This is not just a formal matter, but a substantial issue of first importance.
Why You Should Attend
Clarity in drafting patent claims has always been a serious issue: Clarity is required to distinguish the subject matter of a claim from prior art, and an unclear claim can be interpreted to the disadvantage of the applicant or proprietor. This is not just a formal matter, but a substantial issue of first importance.
The problem/solution' approach is not officially part of the EPC, but is a criterion which has been developed by case law. It is now hard to find a decision of the Boards of Appeal which does not rely on the problem/solution approach in order to decide upon inventive step. It looks easy, but when applied, it should be applied correctly. The purpose of this seminar is to teach delegates the essentials of clarity, and the most effective use of the problem/solution approach, giving them an edge over other parties.
Agenda
Article 84 - clarity of claims
- Tools used in assessing added subject matter
- Clarity vs novelty
- Structural vs functional features
Article 84 - clarity of claims continued
- Essential features
- Effect of lack of clarity on claim interpretation
- Clarity in opposition
- Article 56 - inventive step
- The problem/solution approach as practiced by the EPO
- The steps involved in the problem/solution approach
- Correct application of the problem/solution approach
Article 56 - inventive step continued
Workshop
Practical exercises to exemplify the concepts used
Case law
For more information about this conference visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/946fph/effective_defence
