Temperature-Resistant Plastic
A company applies for a new plastic that is supposedly particularly temperature-resistant. The application describes the desired end product, but does not describe any manufacturing process or the reaction conditions used.
Question: Is the application sufficiently disclosed, or is it not feasible because the process for producing the plastic is not described?
Painkiller Molecule
A pharmaceutical company describes a new painkiller molecule. The structural formula is given in full, as are precise synthesis instructions. However, there is no indication of how the molecule can be presented in a stable dosage form (e.g., tablet).
Question: Is the invention nevertheless feasible, or would the formulation technology also be mandatory for the patent to be granted?
Storing Hydrogen
A researcher claims a method for storing hydrogen in metal hydrides, but keeps the crucial parameters such as pressure and temperature conditions secret in order to maintain his competitive advantage.
Question: Can he obtain valid patent protection despite the lack of disclosure?
Biotech Start-Up
A biotech start-up applies for a new vaccine composition. The application describes all relevant proteins responsible for the immune response. The company has fully disclosed the antigens.
Question: In order to ensure feasibility, would it also be necessary to specify the exact manufacturing method for each individual protein?
Anti-Gravity Sevice
An application claims an "anti-gravity device" that allegedly works through a novel energy conversion process. The applicant describes the theory, but does not provide any practical instructions for testing.
Question: Is there sufficient feasibility, or does the application fail because it violates basic laws of physics?
Antibiotic
A pharmaceutical company describes a new antibiotic with broad protection for an entire class of active ingredients. However, in laboratory tests, only a single derivative has actually shown antibacterial activity.
Question: Is the broad claim viable, or is there a lack of feasibility for the claimed class of active substances?
Solvent Mixture
A chemist submits an application for a novel solvent mixture. Only months later does he discover that another additive is necessary to achieve the desired effect. He submits this information subsequently.
Question: A pharmaceutical company describes a new painkiller with a clear structural formula and mode of action in its application. Only later are more precise dosage instructions submitted, which show that a medical effect can also be achieved.
Painkiller
A pharmaceutical company describes a new painkiller with a clear structural formula and mode of action in its application. Only later are more precise dosage instructions submitted, which show that a medical effect can also be achieved.
Question: Are these permissible clarifications or impermissible new technical content?
Ammonia Synthesis
A chemist applies for a catalytic process for ammonia synthesis, but only describes imprecise temperature ranges and pressure values. An expert with knowledge of Haber-Bosch technology could find the parameters with routine tests.
Question: Is the process feasible in this case, or does patent law require more detailed information?
Diabetes Drug
A pharmaceutical company applies for a new enzyme process for the production of a diabetes drug. The decisive enzyme source is not described. The expert would search databases, but there are hundreds of possible candidates.
Question: Would the effort involved still be reasonable, or is the disclosure insufficient?
Semiconductor
A company describes a process for manufacturing a novel semiconductor, but does not specify the exact dopants. An expert could systematically test these through routine experiments.
Question: Is the effort reasonable, or does the disclosure go beyond what is necessary?
Cancer Treatment
A pharmaceutical company claims a new active ingredient against cancer without specifying a structural formula or specific manufacturing method. It merely states that "a protein is blocked." Experts would have to carry out a complete research program.
Question: Is it still feasible, or does the patent unreasonably require third parties to carry out the inventive work themselves?
Platinum Catalyst
A chemist describes a functioning catalytic process using a platinum catalyst. However, in the claim, he claims "transition metals" in general. Experts can only carry out a reaction with platinum, though.
Question: Is the broad claim maintainable, or should it be limited to platinum?
Antibody Fragment
A biotech company successfully describes an antibody fragment for the treatment of an autoimmune disease. However, the claims cover all antibodies that could theoretically bind. In the experiments, only one has been proven to be functional.
Question: Can the claim be upheld in its entirety, or is it not feasible for the majority of cases?