The EPO follows a stringent evaluation process for catalysis patents to ensure they meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The process involves:
1. Search Report: The EPO conducts a comprehensive search to identify prior art related to the invention. 2. Examination: The application is examined to ensure it meets the legal and technical requirements. 3. Grant: If the application meets all criteria, a European patent is granted.
During the examination, the EPO looks at the specific features of the catalytic process, composition, or apparatus, and compares these with existing technologies to determine their novelty and inventive step.
