Delhi High Court Refuses Patent for Worm-Based Cancer Detection Method

The Court held that the cancer detection method claimed by the Japanese firm is barred under Section 3(i) of the Patents Act, 1970.

It observed that the invention constitutes a diagnostic method for detecting cancer and is therefore not patentable.

The Court further observed that it is immaterial whether the method is performed by medical professionals or operates autonomously outside the human body.

The Court upheld the Patent Office’s rejection and dismissed the firm’s appeal, affirming that diagnostic processes fall squarely within the statutory exclusion.

[Hirotsu Bio Science Inc v. Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs]