Obviousness
/ˈɒbviəsnəs/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality of being easily perceived or understood; evident or clear to the mind or senses.
The contract’s terms had a level of obviousness that precluded any misunderstanding.
- (n.) In patent law, the criterion that a claimed invention is not patentable if it is considered to be an evident or straightforward improvement to someone skilled in the art.
The patent was rejected due to obviousness, as the invention lacked novelty over existing technology.
Related terms
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Commentary
In legal contexts, especially patent law, 'obviousness' is a critical threshold to determine patent eligibility; careful fact-finding is necessary to assess this element.
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.