Patents are not granted in respect of plant varieties or animal breeds. A patent may, however, be granted in respect of an invention that relates to plants or animals if the technical feasibility of the invention is not confined to a particular plant variety or animal breed.

Patents shall only granted for an invention that is new in relation to what was known before the filing date of the patent application and which also differs essentially therefrom.

A patent may be granted despite the fact that the invention was made available to the public within six months prior to the filing of the patent application.