An invention is considered as involving an inventive step if, having regard to the state of the art, it is not obvious to a person skilled in the Art. Novelty (see G‑VI) and inventive step are different criteria. The question – "is there inventive step?" – only arises if the invention is novel.[Art. 56; ]
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/g_vii_1.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021