An invention is patentable if it is new, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable.

An invention is new if it is not anticipated by prior art. Prior art shall consist of everything disclosed to the public, anywhere in the world, by publication in tangible form or by oral disclosure, by use or in any other way, prior to the filing or, where appropriate, the priority date, of the application claiming the invention.

Disclosure to the public of the invention shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred within twelve months preceding the filing date or, the priority date of the application, and if it was by reason or in consequence of acts committed by the applicant or his predecessor in title or of an abuse committed by a third party with regard to the applicant or his predecessor in title.