可先參考:加拿大專利性「purposive construction」議題的案例 - Free World Trust v Électro Santé Inc., 2000 SCC 66(https://enpan.blogspot.com/2024/04/purposive-construction-free-world-trust.html)。
Example 1:
範例一涉及通過測量地震以確定石油鑽探位置的資料分析方法,其中運用了演算法X,專利範圍如下(Purposive Construction),claim 1描述電腦實現的地震測量數據分析方法,包括執行地震測量、取得數據、以演算法X處理數據,以及顯示分析結果。claim 2則是描述系統,包括感測器、接收數據的模組、執行演算法的處理器,以及顯示結果的顯示器。claim 3描述另一個數據分析方法,包括接收數據、以演算法處理數據,以及顯示分析結果。claim 4描述的是儲存執行claim 3方法的指令的電腦可讀記憶體。claim 5則是描述鑽探石油的電腦實現方法,相應指令的電腦可讀記憶體則是描述在claim 6。
- A computer-implemented method of analysing data from seismic measurements comprising:
- Performing seismic measurements;
- Receiving the data from the seismic measurements;
- Processing the data on a computer using algorithm X; and
- Displaying the results of the analysis.
- A system for analysing data from seismic measurements comprising:
- Sensors to measure seismic measurements;
- A module configured to receive the data from the sensors;
- A processor configured to apply the algorithm X to the data received from the sensors; and
- A display configured to present the results of the step c.
- A computer-implemented method of analysing data from seismic measurements comprising:
- Receiving the data from the seismic measurements;
- Processing the data on a computer using algorithm X; and
- Displaying the results of the analysis of step b.
- A computer readable memory having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computer to carry out the method of claim 3.
- A computer-implemented method of drilling for oil comprising:
- Receiving the data from the seismic measurements;
- Processing the data on a computer using algorithm X; and
- Drilling for oil based on the results of the processing.
- A computer readable memory having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computerised drilling system to carry out the method of claim 5.
在可專利性的評估中,claim 1結合了幾個電腦處理步驟得到使用演算法X的結果,其中步驟a包括的測量步驟具備有可識別的具體效果,使得整體專利範圍屬於可專利標的。(編按,這句話可以作為相關議題答辯的寫法:"step a provides the discernible physical effect or change that renders the subject-matter of the claim patentable subject-matter")
Claim 2包括感測器,這是用以測量地震,對電腦而言並非一般的輸入資料,並且感測器是具體的存在(physical existence)並與電腦合作通過演算法X達成結果,足以讓此標的成為可專利標的。(同樣地,這句話也可成為具有實體元件時的答辯內容:"sensors have a physical existence and cooperate with the computer to achieve better results by the use of algorithm X, this element is sufficient to render the subject-matter of the claim patentable subject-matter")
Claim 3的步驟a與c被認為是一般電腦的輸出入步驟,且認為執行演算法X為一般電腦的運作,因此認為此項範圍並沒有解決超出電腦的問題,根據subsection 27(8) of the Patent Act,不屬於可專利標的。
Claim 4是基於claim 3的電腦可讀記憶體,因為上述理由,認為記憶體僅是一般電腦的元件,同樣屬於不可專利標的。
Claim 5描述以處理接收的地震數據達到鑽探石油的具體步驟,其中步驟c產生可識別的具體效果或改變,因此為可專利標的。("step c provides the discernible physical effect or change that renders the subject-matter of the claim patentable subject-matter")
Claim 6是基於Claim 5的電腦可讀記憶體,雖然記憶體是電腦的一般元件,但是其中連結可識別具體效果的指令,使得此項屬於可專利標的。("this physical effect is sufficient to render the subject-matter of claim 6 patentable subject-matter")
Example 2:
範例二(Purposive Construction)描述一個新的壓縮影片數據的演算法Y,專利範圍如下,描述一個編碼影片訊號的電腦實現方法,包括接收數位影片數據、使用數位訊號處理器以演算法Y編碼,以及得出編碼數據。
- A computer-implemented method of digitally coding a video signal comprising:
- Receiving digital video data;
- Encoding, using a digital signal processor, the digital video data using algorithm Y; and
- Providing the encoded video data.
在可專利性的評估中,經參考說明書內容,此項範圍描述的是一般電腦的步驟,然而,其中演算法Y解決了電腦問題,使得電腦成為發明的一部分,並提供了具體性(physicality),讓本項成為可專利標的。
Example 3:
範例三(Purposive Construction)描述診斷病患是否有癌細胞的方法,其中Claim 1描述的診斷是否有罹癌風險的方法,其中包括測量生物樣本中X的程度,比對非癌的參考樣本,以判斷罹癌風險。Claim 2是一樣的標的,步驟包括接收X程度的報告,並以此程度比對非癌參考樣本的程度以判斷罹癌風險。
- A method of diagnosing whether a human subject is at risk for developing cancer, comprising:
- measuring the level of X in a biological sample from the subject; and
- comparing said level to the level of a non-cancerous reference sample, wherein an increase in the level of X relative to said reference indicates the subject is at risk for cancer.
- A method of diagnosing whether a human subject is at risk for developing cancer, comprising:
- receiving a report summarizing the level of X in a sample from the subject; and
- comparing said level to the level of a non-cancerous reference sample, wherein an increase in the level of X relative to said reference indicates the subject is at risk for cancer.
在可專利性的評估中,claim 1中描述癌症風險與X程度的相關性,其中的具體步驟是測量樣本的X程度("physically measuring the level of X in the sample"),使得本項範圍屬於可專利標的。
然而,Claim 2也是描述罹癌風險與X程度的相關性,但是其中描述的X程度並非為具體測量得出,其中X程度並非測量得出,而是從報告得到,使得其中比對步驟為主要步驟,因為沒有具體性(physicality),認為不屬於可專利標的。
重要,這裡重要的隱含的教示是,"In order to be found patentable, the actual invention must have physical existence or manifest a discernible physical effect or change."
Example 4:
範例四(Purposive Construction)描述成分X用於治療消化性潰瘍的新用途,也就是成分X為已知成分,其說明書公開了相關成分的劑量,並可最大限度地副作用確保病患對藥物的耐受性(符合可實施性),專利範圍如下。
- Use of compound X to treat peptic ulcers.
- The use of claim 1, wherein X is for administration at a first dosage of 6 to 8 mg/day for a period of about 2 to 10 weeks, and a final dosage of 16 to 24 mg/day.
在可專利性的評估中,很重要的資訊是,claim 1滿足具體性(physicality)的要求,理由是使用成分X在治療病患身體狀態中顯明出可識別的效果或改變,使得claim 1為可專利標的。("use of compound X manifests a discernible effect or change in the physical state of peptic ulcers.")
針對claim 2,其中描述使用成分X的劑量,但由於技術需要專業技巧與醫療專業的判斷,且每個病患並不相同,使用成分X需要有專業判斷與監視,讓本項範圍不屬於可專利性標的。
my two cents:
最近遇到加拿大可專利性議題,覺得本篇內容頗受用,可以得到可用於答辯的資訊。
Ron
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