Matters excluded from patent protection

(1) The following, even if they are inventions within the meaning of this Act, shall not be protected as patents– (a) a discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method; (b) a scheme, rule or method for doing business, performing a mental act or playing a game; and (c) methods for the treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy, as well as diagnostic methods practised on the human or animal body. (2) Sub-section (1)(c) shall not apply to products for use in any of the methods specified therein. (3) A patent shall not be granted for an invention the commercial exploitation of which it is necessary to prevent in Belize in order– (a) to protect public order or morality, including to protect human, animal or plant life or health; or (b) to avoid serious prejudice to the environment. (4) The refusal to grant a patent in respect of an invention referred to in sub-section (3) shall not be based solely on the ground that the commercial exploitation is prohibited by a law in force in Belize.