Patent decision

BL number

O/112/18

Concerning rights in

GB1600694.2, GB1600696.7, GB1600703.1, GB1600704.9, GB1600705.6, GB1600706.4 and GB1600702.3

Hearing Officer

Mr H Jones

Decision date

20 February 2018

Person(s) or Company(s) involved

Landmark Graphics Corporation

Provisions discussed

Sections 1(2)(a) and 1(2)(c)

Keywords

Excluded fields (allowed)

Related Decisions

None

Summary

The decision relates to a first group of seven applications out of a total of sixteen from the same applicant. All seven applications relate in general to computer-implemented methods of working with models of subterranean geology and for modifying or improving various aspects of the visual representation of subsurface formations. The Hearing Officer heard arguments from the applicant on the standard of proof required by examiners in objecting to inventions relating to excluded subject-matter, on how the Office approach to assessing technical contribution as required by Aerotel may be inconsistent with the Courts and on how the inventions were similar to the invention set out in Vicom and Halliburton which had been found to be patentable. The Hearing Officer found that all seven inventions were not excluded and remitted the applications back to the examiner to conclude examination.

Full decision O/112/18 800Kb