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Applying for a patent

Patentability
What are the criteria for patentability in your jurisdiction?

To qualify for a patent, an invention must be new, involve an inventive step and be industrially applicable.

What are the limits on patentability?

The following are excluded from patentability:

  • plant varieties, animal species and biological methods of producing plants or animals;
  • diagnostic methods, treatments and surgical operations for humans and animals;
  • scientific and mathematical principles, discoveries and methods;
  • guides, rules or methods for conducting business, performing mental activities or playing games; and
  • inventions that violate public order or morals or relate to national defence.

Are there restrictions on any other kinds of invention?

Inventions that violate public order or morals are excluded from patent protection. Alcoholic beverages and methods for producing them are examples of such inventions.

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