Summary
The application is one of nine divisionals which use mobile devices, servers and a wireless network to enable transactions and communication in different environments. The claimed invention defines a system which enables a customer to order from a menu in a restaurant, the order to be communicated to a waiter, and the customer to provide a barcode for the waiter to scan to effect a discount. The issue to be decided was whether the claims defined excluded subject matter. In arguing that the invention provided the requisite technical contribution, the Agent referred to a number of precedents and office decisions and argued that the claimed invention solved a problem using a new arrangement of hardware. The Hearing Officer applied the four stepAerotel/Macrossantest and considered theAT&Tsignposts.The contribution was found not to provide the required technical effect and the claimed invention was found to relate solely to a program for a computer and a method for doing business as such, so the application did not meet the requirements of section 1(2)(c). The application was refused under section 18(3).
Full decisionO/645/22
390Kb