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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

prior art

noun

: the processes, devices, and modes of achieving the end of an alleged invention that were known or knowable by due diligence before and at the date of the invention

also : the knowledge or description of such processes, devices, or modes

—used chiefly in patent law