{"id":23994,"date":"2021-01-12T12:43:37","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T07:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=23994"},"modified":"2021-01-12T14:07:32","modified_gmt":"2021-01-12T08:37:32","slug":"software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/","title":{"rendered":"Software Patent: Applicability, Scope, and Validity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">The software industry is\nthriving, and so does the technology sector. Their development has brought the\nneed to secure the intellectual property (IP) in the application, programs, and\nsoftware patent. In this blog, we will explore the imperative dimensions of the\nsoftware patent, such as applicability, usages, and validity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Why_Software_Seeks_Patent_Protection\" >Why Software Seeks Patent Protection?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Validity_Specifying_the_Software_Patent\" >Validity Specifying the Software Patent&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Is_It_Possible_To_Patent_Software_In_India\" >Is It Possible To Patent Software In India?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Rules_Pertaining_to_Software_Patent_Registration\" >Rules Pertaining to Software Patent Registration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Software_License_Agreement\" >Software License Agreement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Why_Computer_Program_Seeks_Patent_Protection_More_Than_Ever\" >Why Computer Program Seeks Patent Protection More\nThan Ever?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Essential_Points_Regarding_Software_Patenting_That_worth_Remembering\" >Essential Points Regarding Software Patenting That\nworth Remembering&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-patent-applicability-scope-and-validity\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Software_Seeks_Patent_Protection\"><\/span>Why Software Seeks Patent Protection?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Software is comprised of\nspecific commands, a guideline that a computer system follows to complete a\nspecific task. The software does not come under the tangible asset category;\nthus, it is not classified as traditional goods. However, whenever a computer\nprogram\/software is sold, the buyer is permitted to access a license key to use\nthe software and other guidelines that reflect its scope of functionality and\nits operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Software is susceptible to\npiracy due to which they encounter unstated economic loss. Henceforth, it is\nimperative to safeguard the software\/computer program under the IPR mechanism\nguidelines. It would not only render protection to the economic interest of the\nowner but also advocate innovation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Validity_Specifying_the_Software_Patent\"><\/span>Validity Specifying the Software Patent&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Patent protection remains\nvalid for a limited period of time, where patent for software comes under the\ncategory of technology.&nbsp;The methods of computer program coding are unique\n&amp; critical. Henceforth, it is an absolute necessity to protect the software\nvia patents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the methods of\nprogramming codes come under the Copyright regime, the principles &amp;\noperational methods of the program cannot rejoice copyright protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, patent become\nabsolute importance for the software\u2019s protection as the patent covers the\nscope not the method. Patent works seamlessly when it comes to the protection\nof idea &amp; functional aspect of the computer program. But to become eligible\nfor patent, the software must comprise of traits that advocates inventiveness\nrather than incremental update. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the Section 3 (K) of the Patent Act, 2002, computer software cannot be cover under the Patent regime per se. To become eligible for patent, the software must not be<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The computer program must not be the mathematical method, business method, or algorithm.\u00a0<\/li><li>The computer program\/software that doesn\u2019t come under Patent regime.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But, a computer program can be patented if it\ndemonstrates the element of inventiveness. To bypass the claim of the said section,\nit is imperative to exhibits that hardware is an important part of the\ninvention in addition to the program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Possible_To_Patent_Software_In_India\"><\/span>Is It Possible To Patent Software In India?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Indeed, the software or computer programs are\npatentable in India. As per the Indian Patent Office, the software invention\nhas been placed under the classification of Computer Oriented Inventions, one\nor more features of which are embodied wholly or partially by means of a\ncomputer program(s). Such inventions have been cited in the rules promulgated\nby the patent office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, patent application encompassing matter\nregarding the computer program invention has been bifurcated into multiple\ncategories by the patent office mentioned below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Method\/Process<\/li><li>Apparatus\/System<\/li><li>Computer readable medium <\/li><li>Computer software <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the patent claims revolve around the method or a\nprocess, the patent office <em>shall not consider the\nmathematical formulae, business methods, and <\/em>algorithms as driving factors for patenting.<em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if the method claims related to computer\nrelated innovation having inventive &amp; novel traits, such clams can be\npatented as per the Indian Patent Law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Section 3(K) of the Patent Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the patent claim revolves around the apparatus or\na system and it align perfectly with the section 3(K) of the Patent Act then it\ncan be patented with ease. In practicality, such claim might be patented in\n\u201cmeans plus function\u201d format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The means-plus-function claim is widely use for\ndrafting the software patent or patent claims. During the preparation of patent\nclaims, the patent officers can leverage such claims to demonstrate functional\n&amp; technical terms of the invention to clarify several aspects of the\ninvention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the patent claims are confined around Computer\nreadable medium, software products, the Indian Patent office would consider\nsuch claim as computer programs per se, and henceforth such claims cannot be\ncovered under the Patent regime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Patent Regime aligning with the Invention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The software is not a part of\nthe patent\u2019s regime in India, but only in the condition if it doesn\u2019t align\nwith the invention. For patents, the software must be capable of performing\nunique tasks, and it should be posses\u2019 inventiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the Patent\n(Amendments) Act 2002, the software does not qualify for a patent if it lacks\ninventiveness. Henceforth, the software is only patentable when it appears to\nbe productive and unique in nature.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rules_Pertaining_to_Software_Patent_Registration\"><\/span>Rules Pertaining to Software Patent Registration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The important rules pertaining\nto software patent registration are given below, which are as follows:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Software Patentability \/ Prior Art Patent Search<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior filing the software patent application,\nit\u2019s advisable for the applicant to conduct an extensive patentability search\nrelated to the prior part accessible publically. The software patent comprises\nof the steps of reviewing newspapers, journal, books, magazine, brochures,\nresearch reports, and conference material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicant is required to leverage the online patent\ndatabase of WIPO, USPTO, &amp; EPO to determine the uniqueness of the computer\nprogram innovation. These databases generally enclose all the information\nregarding the patented software; thus it would be good source to determine the\nnovelty of the program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To conduct such an activity,&nbsp; the applicant can either&nbsp; leverage the keyword cited in abstract text,\nspecs, patent title, claims and by the global patent classification number, CPC\n&amp; UPSC assigned to each patent by the relevant officials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Patentability Search Results \/ Patentability Opinion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The patentability search results will imparts\ndetailed insight to the inventor about how conveniently one can claim the\nsoftware invention.&nbsp; Additionally, the\npatent language utilized by other applicant to claim identical invention\nrenders a clarification on the viability for your program invention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantage of Patentability Search&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Patentability\nsearch keeps you abreast of conflict that arises due to the similarities with\nthe prior art patent claims. The patent claims ought to be written in a way to\nbypass the prior art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Patent (Amendment) Act 2002 encloses the procedure related to <a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/patent-registration\"><strong>patent registration<\/strong><\/a>. The act came into existence on 20th May 2003. The following are the points that are not part of the Patent (Amendment) Act 2002 anymore:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/The-Patent-Amendment-Act-2002-encloses-the-procedure-related-to-patent-registration-e1610434985628.png\" alt=\"Advantage of Patentability Search\" class=\"wp-image-23996\" width=\"539\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/The-Patent-Amendment-Act-2002-encloses-the-procedure-related-to-patent-registration-e1610434985628.png 885w, https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/The-Patent-Amendment-Act-2002-encloses-the-procedure-related-to-patent-registration-e1610434985628-300x287.png 300w, https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/The-Patent-Amendment-Act-2002-encloses-the-procedure-related-to-patent-registration-e1610434985628-768x735.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software_License_Agreement\"><\/span>Software License Agreement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Access can\ngrant to any outsider by the individual having ownership of the software. The\nowner prefers to render the license to legitimate buyers of that particular\ncomputer program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A license can consolidate the retention of some legal rights pertaining to a computer program for letting the owner rejoice in increased control over the software. Henceforth, all statutory rights intact with the owner expect the right to utilize the software on the licensee\u2019s device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> <strong>Types of software License Agreements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-16.png\" alt=\" Types of software License Agreements\" class=\"wp-image-23997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-16.png 576w, https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-16-300x236.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Computer_Program_Seeks_Patent_Protection_More_Than_Ever\"><\/span>Why Computer Program Seeks Patent Protection More\nThan Ever?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the\nReserve Bank India\u2019s data, the export of software in India has been increased\nby 11.6% to $108.4 billion in the financial year 2017-18. Given the current\ngrowth and expansion of the software industry, the government has amended the\nIP laws on a couple of occasions. However, the IP laws still lack provisions\nrelated to the software &amp; computer program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of now,\nthe software is being protected under trade secrets and copyright. Furthermore,\nthe Information Technology Act of 2008 doesn\u2019t include any provision pertaining\nto computer software and programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Points_Regarding_Software_Patenting_That_worth_Remembering\"><\/span>Essential Points Regarding Software Patenting That\nworth Remembering&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>As per Sec. 2 (o) of the Copyright Act, 1957, the software comes under the regime of literary works. However, the Act does not render enough clarification between the object code and the source code of the computer program; henceforth, both are considered as the literary works of the software.\u00a0<\/li><li>Merely having an algorithm cannot ensure that the given software can be patented. For patent, the computer program must have an element of <strong><em>uniqueness<\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em>inventiveness<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>Idea, algorithm, and the design element of a computer program might be cover under the ambit of a trade secret. The applicability of the trade secret protection is entirely based on the nature of the computer programs and their distribution channel. A computer program sold out as an object code could be partially protected if the source code is kept isolated from the general public.\u00a0<\/li><li>If a computer program satisfies the definition of \u201cGoods\u2019 as per the Sale of Good Act, it will be regulated by the <strong>provisions of the Sale of Goods Act<\/strong><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Sale_of_Goods_Act_1930\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li><li>One has to adopt a proactive and holistic approach to prepare the Software patent applicant. An experienced patent agent can help you draft patent claims that might have diverse scope of the invention. But, the aim of the article is to impart inventors with a common idea how to outline a patent application for computer program invention. <\/li><li>The software patent specification should be customized for a specific invention addressing one issue in the prior art domain. There is no thump rule for drafting a well-balanced software patent application. The most imperative trait of software patent writing is to define the legal right of the patentee. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is always\nrecommended to avail expert assistance for drafting the software invention\n&amp; prosecuting the application before the patent office. The inventor must provide\nflowcharts or illustrations of the program\u2019s algorithms to the patent attorney.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Software is\nmeant to transact for the purpose of sale or licenses. Their transaction is\ncarrying out via licenses that favour the licensor for the most part. The\nownership of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the computer program vests\nby the licensor. Furthermore, there may be the provision of fair use by the\nlicensee and the utilization of encrypted technology, which may reflect the\nconflict of laws.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to the transaction in the form of sale, it becomes a subject of normal warranties and conditions, tax &amp; regulations related to the product liability. Henceforth, the law scatters on these fronts, which requires rendering more clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read our article<\/b>:<mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/increase-the-timeline-of-patent-validity\/\">\nIs it Possible to Increase the Timeline of Patent Validity? Let\u2019s find out.\n<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The software industry is thriving, and so does the technology sector. Their development has brought the need to secure the intellectual property (IP) in the application, programs, and software patent. In this blog, we will explore the imperative dimensions of the software patent, such as applicability, usages, and validity. Why Software Seeks Patent Protection?&nbsp; Software [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":24000,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[282],"tags":[1418],"acf":{"service_id":"20"},"authorName":"Pankaj Tyagi","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/MicrosoftTeams-image-42.jpg","authorDescription":"Pankaj has a diverse experience of writing research papers, blog, and articles during his college time. Earlier, he was working as a tax consultant in a financial firm, but his interest in writing drives him to pursue a career in the writing field.","postViews":4163,"readingTime":6,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23994"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23994"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23994\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24007,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23994\/revisions\/24007"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}