The Innovation

This patent application concerns a computer system for controlling, capturing, regulating, and/or analyzing biological, biochemical, chemical, and/or physical processes, typically occurring in a reactor like a bag or a stainless-steel reactor. The invention aims to provide an overview of crucial factors influencing these processes and the impact of changes in these factors on process success. It specifically involves capturing and processing data from these processes more effectively by recognizing a “temporal correlation” between measurements from sensors in at least two reactors, thus facilitating insights into the relationships between these measurements.

Technical Contribution

The decision highlights that the main claim of the patent lacks inventive activity as per Article 56 EPC. The main point of contention was feature g), which describes a processor or “capture unit” with an algorithmic rule for recognizing the “temporal correlation” represented by feature f). The decision notes that this feature does not contribute to a technical effect across the entire claimed range. The Board of Appeal did not find convincing the applicant’s argument about a “causal sequence” between features f) and g) or that feature g) considered “intrinsic data” leading to a more realistic interpretation of the “insights” provided by feature f). The Board concluded that feature g) does not solve a technical problem, thus not contributing to inventive activity (Reasons no. 2.3 to 2.6).

Key Findings

• Feature g) (processor or “capture unit” recognizing “temporal correlation”) – non-technical

Read the full decision here: T 0447/20 (Biotech-GUI/SARTORIUS) 12-09-2023​​