What cannot be Patented?

When considering what can be patented, it’s important to understand the exclusions outlined in the Indian Patent Act. Not every idea or invention qualifies for patent protection. Here are some categories of inventions that are not patentable:
– Any invention that is trivial or blatantly contrary to well-established natural laws does not qualify for a patent.
– If an invention’s commercial exploitation could harm human, animal, or plant life or the environment, it will not be granted patent protection.
– The mere discovery of a scientific principle or abstract theory cannot be patented. Similarly, finding a natural substance without any inventive step doesn’t qualify as an invention.
– If a new form of a known substance doesn’t result in improved efficacy or a new use, it’s not eligible for patenting. Likewise, merely discovering new properties or uses of an existing substance does not make it patentable.
– A substance formed by combining known components without resulting in any new properties, or rearranging known devices that function independently of each other, will not qualify for a patent.
– Methods related to agriculture or horticulture are excluded from patentability, as well as processes for medical or veterinary treatments that do not involve a new application.
– Inventions related to plants and animals (other than microorganisms) or biological processes used to produce them are not patentable, including seeds, varieties, and species.
– Pure mathematical methods, business methods, computer programs per se, or algorithms cannot be patented.
– Literary, artistic, musical, and cinematic works fall outside the scope of patent law, as they are covered by copyright.
– Methods for performing mental acts or playing games, and presenting information in specific ways, are also not patentable.
– The design layout of integrated circuits is excluded from patent protection.
– Inventions based on traditional knowledge or the duplication of known components that don’t introduce new innovations are not eligible for patents.
– Inventions related to atomic energy are also excluded from patentability under the Act.

Understanding these exclusions is crucial when determining if your invention is patentable. Make sure your innovation doesn’t fall into any of these categories before filing a patent application.