4. Are computer programs patentable?

Although software and computer programs belong to the field of technology, they are considered as intellectual works protected by copyright and are excluded from patentable inventions (article L. 611-10 of Code de la propriété intellectuelle and article 52 of Convention sur le brevet européen – CBE ).

The patent application for a computer program will therefore be rejected.

However, as with the other exceptions to patentability, it remains possible to circumvent the scope of the exclusion by demonstrating the existence of an "additional technical effect going beyond the normal...