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Definition[]

Absolute novelty means

[a]n invention must not have been sold or disclosed anywhere in the world (not simply the country where a patent application is to be filed) before a valid patent can be granted. This is a requirement of some patent offices, but not the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Absolute Novelty creates an absolute bar to patentability in such countries.[1]

References[]

  1. Patent Searching Glossary (full-text).
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