ICT refers to a broad range of computer hardware and software-based services, applications, and technologies which are often provided over telecommunications networks. Therefore, implementation of ICT inventions can be said to require a computer, a computer network, or another programmable device.

Computer implemented inventions (CIIs) are a subset of inventions defined by the Patent Act and must fulfil the same patentability requirements as inventions in other fields of technology. Thus, CIIs are patentable to the extent that they solve a technical problem, i.e., have technical character, are new, and involve inventive step in the sense of making a contribution to the state of the art that is not obvious to a person skilled in the CII sector.

CIIs must have technical character to be patentable.