title: Patents on diagnostic methods in Europe under the European Patent Convention (EPC).
abstract: This article reviews the provisions of the European Patent Convention with regard to diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body. Moreover, it is also discussed the relevant jurisprudence (Case Law) interpreting the legal provisions. Some examples based on real cases are also presented and discussed.
authors.affiliation: European Patent Office, Munich, 80335 Germany. mbarba@epo.org
authors.forename: Michelangelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barba
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D001331:Automation; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends