Patent decision

BL number
O/278/15
Concerning rights in
GB1007827.7
Hearing Officer
Dr J Houlihan
Decision date
15 June 2015
Person(s) or Company(s) involved
Dr Nduka
Provisions discussed
Section 14(3)
Keywords
Sufficiency
Related Decisions
None

Summary

The invention relates to a human mannequin type robot used to search and destroy explosives, such as IEDs. There was one independent claim which defined various components of the robot including: interchangeable legs which work in different types of terrain; a tool belt fitted with tools having the ability to destroy or disable explosive. The specification says the robot is made of metal alloys that have electronic transmitting properties and has a knee level connector which enables it to turn 180 to 360 degree when stationary. It also discloses that the robot is fitted with sensors on its hands, legs and head gear. The Hearing Officer considered the decisions of Kirin-Amgen v Hoechst Marion Roussel Ltd [2005] RPC9 and Eli Lilly and Co. v Human Genome Sciences Inc. [2008] RPC 29 and found that the specification did not provide an enabling disclosure for the claimed invention. The application was therefore refused under Section 14(3).

Full decision O/278/15 PDF document198Kb