Also the protection of software by patents is of growing importance. Different to a still persisting assumption, computer programs are not in principle excluded from patentability. On the contrary, if the computer program offers a technical contribution to the state of the art, a patent can be granted. For example, programs that control or simulate a technical process in an innovative way can be protected by patents. But for technical aspects of data processing, too, such as intelligent management of data storage or an improved process for quicker access to a database, the granting of patents is possible.

In this context, the protection afforded by a patent reaches much further than protection by copyright law. A software patent can not only prevent the copying of executable software or its source code, but also the taking over by competitors of the underlying concepts. However, it is essential that these concepts are understood in their entirety and defined in the patent claims in such a way that, on the one hand, the necessary technical contribution is expressed and, on the other hand, the scope of protection of the patent is maximized by including only those features in the patent claims that are absolutely necessary. The patent attorneys of our firm have long-time experience in this area and are protecting, inter alia, inventions for XML databases, SOA-Software, enterprise systems, graphic program environments, the design of user surfaces for telecommunication devices and many other fields of information technology.