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T 258/03 - Auction method/HITACHI

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Reference numbers
Case number: 
T 258/03
Headword: 
Auction method/HITACHI
Application number: 
97 306 722
Date of the Decision: 
2004-04-21
Additional Case Information
IPC: 
G06F17/60
Keyword: 
Presence of an invention - method involving technical means (yes); Inventive step: treatment of non-technical aspects
Applicant: 
Hitachi, Ltd.
Chairman of the Board: 
Steinbrener, S.V.
Members of the Board: 
Wibergh, R.S.
Members of the Board: 
Schachenmann, B.J.
Relevant Legal Provisions: 
Article: 52(1) (2) (3), 54, 56, 57 EPC
Language of the proceedings: 
EN
Headnote: 
  1. A method involving technical means is an invention within the meaning of Article 52(1) EPC (as distinguished from decision T 931/95-Controlling pension benefits system/PBS PARTNERSHIP) (see points 4.1 to 4.4 of the reasons).
  2. Method steps consisting of modifications to a business scheme and aimed at circumventing a technical problem rather than solving it by technical means cannot contribute to the technical character of the subject-matter claimed (see point 5.7 of the reasons).