2.2. Discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods

Art. 52 EPC sets out in paragraph Art. 52(2) (a) EPC-Art. 52(2)(d) EPC a non-exhaustive list of items which are not regarded as an invention. This includes "Discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods" in (a). These activities share the common feature that they do not aim at any direct technical result but are rather of an abstract and intellectual character (see T 22/85, OJ 1990, 12; T 854/90, OJ 1993, 669; T 338/00).