A computer-implemented simulation is a calculation run on a computer based on software that implements a (mathematical) model for the simulated system, which typically is a physical system. Simulations are required to study the behaviour of systems that are usually too complex to have simple (e.g., analytical) solutions.
A computer-implemented simulation is treated similarly to other computer-implemented methods. I.e., the invention must have a technical character to be patentable, meaning it must provide a technical solution having a technical effect. In practice, the simulation must have a link (at least indirectly) to physical reality to support the presence of a technical effect.
Even purely numerical simulations (i.e., having no direct link with physical reality) may still solve a technical problem if the underlying model and/or algorithm are adapted to a specific technical implementation or if there is some intended technical use of the data resulting from the simulation.
Still, a credible technical effect must be derivable (at least implicitly) from the patent claim wording itself and obtained over the whole scope claimed. It goes without saying that such inventions must be handled with care.
Our advisors in this arena are:
