The US Supreme Court has indicated that it could set new guildelines that could restrict the types of software and computer programmes that are eligible for patent protection.
The case involves Alice Corp that patented a computer program to reduce the risk in financial transactions, which CLS Bank International argues as invalid, saying that Alice took a historical concept and programmed it to run through a computer.
In May 2013, the federal appeals court ruled that Alice Corp.’s patents couldn’t be granted but the judges were split on which legal test to adopt.
Chief Justice John Roberts enquired whether a planned test, recommended by Solicitor General Donald Verrilli for President Barack Obama’s administration, would make the complex issue any clearer.
"I’m just doubtful that’s going to bring about greater clarity and certainty," Roberts said.
Other tech firms filing legal papers supporting the issue include Google, Dell, Verizon Communications, Microsoft, HP and engine maker Cummins.
