Examples - Computer Program

General. The following hypothetical examples teach this concept:

Hypothetical Example No. 1. Thomas invents a computer program and claims his invention as "a set of instructions capable of being executed by a computer" in an international patent application that he files in the USPTO. He is informed that the USPTO (in its role as the International Search Authority) will not search the invention and that the USPTO (in its role as the International Preliminary Examining Authority) will not carry out an international preliminary examination of it.

Hypothetical Example No. 2. Marie invents a computer program and claims her invention as "a record on a carrier" in an international patent application that she files in the EPO. She is informed that the EPO (in its role as the International Search Authority) will not search the invention and that the EPO (in its role as the International Preliminary Examining Authority) will not carry out an international preliminary examination of it.