The influences of the structure and activity of biologically active compounds on the assessment of inventive step

The assessment of inventive step for (biologically) active organic chemical compounds is discussed in the light of the application of well-established structure–activity-relationship theory as an important part of the common general knowledge. Applying the problem–solution approach (PSA), several relevant decisions of the Technical Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office are discussed and the relevance of the PSA in this particular technical field is documented.