The patentability of computer programs. Discussion of European-level legislation in the field of patents for software

Study on the desirability of EC level legislation in the area of software patents. It is based on a comparative analysis of the present state of the law, and the advantages and disadvantages appearing from current practice in the EC Member States, the United States and Japan. While its principal focus is on software patents, the study also includes commentary on the patenting of 'business methods', as patents in this area are closely related to software patents. It has also considered the proposal for a 'Directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions', that was published on February 20, 2002.