Welcome to EUROPEAN SOFTWARE PATENTS. Our mission is to provide the busy software patent enthusiast with concise and actionable summaries of virtually all EPO Board of Appeal decisions that concern computer-implemented inventions.
We are regularly updating the knowledge base with new entries. Browse the knowledge base or use the search function at the top of the page.
The FAQ section includes brief answers to the most commonly asked questions about software patents in Europe. If anything is left unanswered, let us know.
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About the editors
EUROPEAN SOFTWARE PATENTS is operated by European patent practitioners of BARDEHLE PAGENBERG with a passion for patents for software:
Active Authors
Preston is a European patent attorney at BARDEHLE PAGENBERG. He handles patent applications in the field of electronics and communication technology, particularly hardware and software inventions related to wireless communication and entertainment devices.
Max is a computer scientist and patent attorney at BARDEHLE PAGENBERG. Due to his technical background, he specializes in prosecuting and litigating software patents, in particular algorithm based inventions.
Previous Authors
Patrick was a European patent attorney at BARDEHLE PAGENBERG. He was specialized in software patents in Europe both from a prosecution and litigation point of view.
With deep sadness, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear partner, colleague and friend, Dr. Patrick Heckeler (March 10, 1980–July 12, 2026). He was not only an exceptionally skilled and capable patent attorney, but also a deeply compassionate and kind person. His dedication, energy and positive spirit will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife as well as with his family and beloved ones.
You are warmly invited to share your thoughts and memories of Patrick, or your final farewells to him, with us in our online condolence book.
Advisors
Christof Karl
Dr. Christof Karl specializes in litigation and prosecution of patents, particularly in the technical fields of computer hardware and software. He has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional cases in the field of telecommunications, including with regard to all aspects of patent-related anti-trust law. He also advises clients on issues of licensing, employee invention law, copyright law and Internet law.