What is a prior art reference?

A prior art reference is a source of information that is related to a particular invention and was available before a patent was filed. In the United States, prior art references are used by patent examiners when evaluating patent applications in order to determine whether an invention is new and non-obvious. In Mississippi, prior art references can include things like published books, printed publications, public use, publications related to the invention, or any other public knowledge about the invention that existed before the patent was filed. Prior art references are used to determine if the invention is novel and non-obvious. This helps to ensure that the patent is valid and that the inventor is the rightful owner of the invention. Without prior art references, it is difficult for patent examiners to determine if the invention was truly novel and non-obvious at the time the patent was filed. Thus, prior art references are a vital part of the patent process in Mississippi and throughout the United States.

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