# Prior art

Concept · [Fundraising and equity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/fundraising)

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

Anything public before a [patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property) 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](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property) examiner finds a ten-year-old research paper describing the same method, so it counts as prior art.

## Connects to (3)

- [Non-provisional patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/non-provisional-patent): The full US patent application that the patent office actually examines.
- [Office action](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/office-action): A letter from a patent or trademark examiner explaining problems with an application, often rejecting some claims.
- [Intellectual property](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property): Things you create that can be owned, such as code, designs, brand names and inventions.

> 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.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/prior-art