What is prior art?

Prior art is a specific term used in patent law to describe existing ideas that were publicly available before a new invention. In Mississippi, prior art may include products, ideas, literature, or other works that were already published before a patent application is filed. Patents are granted for inventions that are novel and not known to the public prior to the patent application. To determine whether an invention is novel, examiners conducting a patent search will review prior art to see if it was already in existence. The examiner will compare the proposed invention to the prior art to decide if the application meets the requirements for being granted a patent. Prior art is used to ensure that those who come up with ideas or inventions do not gain an unfair advantage over those who developed the initial idea or invention. It prevents someone from using the prior art to their advantage and claiming ownership over an invention that was already in the public domain. It allows inventors to protect their ideas while still contributing to the public good by sharing knowledge with others.

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