专利法上的抽象思想与具体技术——计算机程序算法的客体属性分析

The Boundary Between Tangible Invention and Abstract Idea——An Analysis of the Patentablity of Algorithm

程序算法的可专利性是计算机程序专利保护制度的一个核心问题。文章从专利客体从“产品”向“方法”拓展的历史过程出发,揭示专利法区分抽象思想和具体技术的传统标准——“物质状态改变”。文章认为,专利法区分抽象思想与具体技术的传统标准并不像诸多学者所想象的那样否定计算机程序算法的客体属性。程序算法是运行独立于人脑的物理系统(计算机)的具体方法步骤,并非抽象的思维规则。程序算法被执行后会导致传统专利法意义上的“物质状态改变”。因此,程序算法符合前述传统标准,可顺利通过客体审查。沿着这一思路对专利法的传统理论进行整理,能够最大限度地尊重专利法传统,同时又及时地消除了技术进步对客体审查理论的挑战。

ideas. This paper argues that under the “Physical Transformation Test” the patentablity of algorithms should not be denied as many influential writers have maintained. On the contrary, this paper concludes that an algorithm is a process of operating a physical machine or system (computer), instead of an abstract idea. When executed, an algorithm will definitely bring some physical transformations to computer systems, so it should constitute subject matter eligible for patent protection. Following this logic, the author could eliminate the confusion caused by various doctrines and bridge the gap between the legal tradition of patent law and the challenge of new technology.