prior art
noun
patent law
: knowledge that is publicly available (as from the description in an already existing patent, from publications, or from public use or sale) before the date of filing a claim for a patent for an invention
a finding by the judge that there was no advancement of design in the new invention over the prior art
Examples of prior art in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawyers representing life sciences and pharma companies need quick and easy access to competitors' patents, as well as the appropriate prior art to navigate active lawsuits.
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Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024
Apple ended up that case, but there could be some prior art there, so to speak, that helps support the DOJ's case.
—Michael Calore Lauren Goode, WIRED, 28 Mar. 2024
Conduct a prior art search to check if similar inventions already exist and consult with a patent attorney to assess the patentability of your idea.
—Jon Stojan, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2023
Conduct a Prior Art Search: Before diving into the patenting process, conduct a thorough prior art search.
—Jon Stojan, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Aug. 2023
It can also likely be used to accelerate research and comparisons to prior art, stimulate differentiation and new combinations of known things.
—Jinan Glasgow George, Forbes, 5 May 2023
Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024
Apple ended up that case, but there could be some prior art there, so to speak, that helps support the DOJ's case.
—Michael Calore Lauren Goode, WIRED, 28 Mar. 2024
Conduct a prior art search to check if similar inventions already exist and consult with a patent attorney to assess the patentability of your idea.
—Jon Stojan, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2023
Conduct a Prior Art Search: Before diving into the patenting process, conduct a thorough prior art search.
—Jon Stojan, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Aug. 2023
It can also likely be used to accelerate research and comparisons to prior art, stimulate differentiation and new combinations of known things.
—Jinan Glasgow George, Forbes, 5 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prior art.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prior art
Cite this Entry
“Prior art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20art. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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