What is prior art?

Prior art is a term used in patent law. It refers to all information that existed before a patent was filed. This information can come from anywhere in the world, including written documents, products, and publicly available knowledge. Prior art is used to assess the novelty of an invention before a patent is granted. In Kansas, prior art serves as a way for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to determine if an invention is truly new and inventive. The USPTO will search through all information related to the invention to see if it has been previously disclosed. If it has been, then the invention is not patentable. Prior art is also used to determine if a patent is infringing on an existing patent. For example, if the prior art shows that a patent was filed for an invention that is similar to the current invention, then the patent may be considered invalid due to infringement. Prior art helps to ensure that patents are only granted for new and inventive ideas. It is an important part of the patent process that allows inventors and businesses to protect their intellectual property.

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What is prior art?

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