TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7; Research Methodology 12; Chapter One. Understanding Business Method Patents 14; 1.1. The definition of Business Method in American Practice 14; 1.2. The definition of Business Method in European Practice 17; 1.3. The Definition of Business Method in Academia 18; Chapter Two. Evolution of Business Method Patents 20; 2.1. Business Method Exemption Doctrine 21; 2.2. Business Methods under TRIPS 24; 2.3. Exploring the Arguments in favour of Business Method Patents 26; 2.4. Exploring the Objections for Business Method Patents 28; 2.4.1. Justifications for the Patent Monopoly 28; (a) Incentives to innovate 29; (b) Incentives to disclose 31; 2.4.2. The Stifling of Innovation 33; (a) The building blocks of innovation 33; (b) Invalid patents 34; 2.4.3. The Technology Requirement. 35; Chapter Three. Business Method Patents as a Patentable Subject matter in US 37; 3.1. Determination under Section 101 of 35 U.S.C 37; 3.1.1. General Expansion during1980's 38; 3.1.2. Expansion During 1990's.40; 3.3. Patent Eligibility- Bilski's Case 46; 3.4. Machine or Transformation Test applied to Business Method Patents 47; 3.5. Decision Post Bilski 49; 3.4. Software Patent Eligibility- Alice Corporation v. CLS Bank 52; Chapter Four. Business Method Patents as a Patentable Subject matter in EU 54; 4.1. Requirement for patentability in EU 55; 4.2. Computer implemented Programme 57; 4.3. Development through Case Law 58; i. Vicom's case 58; ii. Soheil General Purpose Management System 59; iii. IBM/ Computer Case 60; Chapter Five. Business Method Patents as a Patentable Subject matter in India 63; 5.1. Examining the Law as to Business Method Patents 63; 5.2. Section 3(k) of Indian Patent Act 64; Chapter Six. Issues Concerning Business Method Patents 71; 6.1. Patent Protection to Business Method over other Forms of IP 71; 6.2. Impact of State Street on Companies 75; 6.3. Which Business Method Invention to Patent 77; 6.4. List of Business Method Patents 79; Conclusion 81; Bibliography 83.