Non-Obviousness
/ˌnɑn əbˈviəsnəs/
Definitions
- (n.) A patentability criterion requiring that an invention not be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.
The patent application was rejected due to a lack of non-obviousness.
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Commentary
Non-obviousness is often evaluated through a legal test comparing the invention against prior art; careful claim drafting can emphasize technical distinctions to satisfy this criterion.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.