Concept · Fundraising and equity

Prior art

Also called: prior arts, existing art, prior-art search

Anything public before a patent was filed, such as earlier patents, papers or products, that shows the idea was already known. Examiners use it to decide whether an invention is new.

For example: A patent examiner finds a ten-year-old research paper describing the same method, so it counts as prior art.

Connects to 3

• Non-provisional patent Concept
• Office action Concept
• Intellectual property Concept

This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.