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(1) With the revolutionary changes
in technologies
through computers and the Internet, patents have been granted
to an increasing numbers
of business method inventions,
including in the area of financial services.
(2) We recognize
that,
with the development of IT in finance,
our policies
toward financial business method patents
could have implications for innovation and competition
in financial markets.
(3) This issue needs to be addressed
in the context of international cooperation
with the view
to enhancing common understanding
of treatment of business method patents.
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(4) In this respect,
we welcome the joint work
already underway
among our patent authorities
on business method patents,
and look forward to further development.
(5) We have asked our financial experts
to meet with our patent authorities
and to discuss
whether and how
the issues of common interest are being dealt
with at the international level
and how
international cooperation in this field
is progressing.
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