Patent decision

BL number

O/097/20

Concerning rights in

GB1503131.3

Hearing Officer

Mrs C L Davies

Decision date

14 February 2020

Person(s) or Company(s) involved

Mr Stephen Mollah

Provisions discussed

PA 1977 Section 1(1)(c), 14(3), 14(5(a) 14(5)(b)

Keywords

Clarity, Industrial application, Sufficiency

Related Decisions

None

Summary

The application relates to Bitcoin technology which is a decentralised digital data management system into which a user can input data to be recorded in a public ledger. The system securely stores the data as well as being used for making transactions. The technology underlying the system can mine the data computationally using a mining process.

The Figure illustrates Bitcoin technology as a network system indicating that computers are interconnected to the network system. It relies on complex mathematical systems using various algorithms.

The Hearing Officer found that the “claim” as it is presented does not clearly and concisely define an invention for which the applicant seeks protection; the specification does not sufficiently disclose an invention such that a person skilled in the art would be enabled to perform it and further does not disclose an invention capable of industrial application.

The application was refused under section 18(3).

Full decision O/097/20 285Kb