In order to be patentable, an invention must meet the following three criteria:
I. It must be novel (new).
II. It must involve an inventive step (not obvious to a person skilled in the relevant field of technology).
III. It must be capable of industrial application (useful).
IV. The subject matter must be accepted as patentable under the national patent law.

Matters excluded from Patentability

• A discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method is excluded from patentability, but its application or use can be patentable.
• Methods of doing business for example method of book keeping, trading stocks are not patentable.
• Diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical methods for the treatment of humans and animals.
• Inventions contrary to public order, morality, public health and safety, principles of humanity and environmental conservation.