Computer programs : Computer programs were not patentable under the 1949 Act because they were not a ‘manner of manufacture’ (the predecessor of the industrial application requirement of the 1977 Act) but they could form part of a machine or industrial process. They must now be considered patentable where they have a novel technical effect. The leading US case of Diamond v

doi:10.4324/9781843142928-42

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ABSTRACT

We granted certiorari to determine whether a process for curing synthetic rubber which includes in several of its steps the use of a mathematical formula and a programmed digital computer is patentable subject-matter under 35 USC § 101 [35 USCS § 101].